Soccer:Rio Ferdinand will succeed John Terry as England captain and will lead the national side in the World Cup this summer after manager Fabio Capello met with the Chelsea defender at Wembley today.
Ferdinand had been Capello's vice-captain and the Manchester United defender will take over the skipper's armband following Terry's alleged affair with Wayne Bridge's former partner.
Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard will become vice-captain, and Capello said: "When I chose John Terry as captain, I also selected a vice-captain and also named a third choice. There is no reason to change this decision."
Terry was informed of the decision by Capello during a brief meeting at Wembley and comes after allegations surrounding the Chelsea skipper's private life came to light.
"After much thought I have made the decision that it will be best for me to take the captaincy away from John Terry," said Capello.
Capello made it clear that while Terry's conduct on the field had been exactly what he wanted when he made his decision to appoint the central defender as skipper in August 2008, recent headlines about his personal life left him with little choice other than to remove the honour from the 29-year-old.
It is alleged that Terry had an affair with Vanessa Perroncel, the ex-girlfriend of England team-mate Bridge, also a former club-mate of Terry's at Chelsea. Perroncel also said she refused to sell her story.
"As a captain with the team, John Terry has displayed extremely positive behaviour," added Capello.
"However, I have to take into account other considerations and what is best for all of the England squad.
"What is best for all of the England team has inspired my choice and John Terry was notified first."
"I would like to take this opportunity to thank the FA, particularly Lord David Triesman and Ian Watmore for allowing me to make this decision in my own time and in the best interest of the team."
Terry kept his own comments brief. However, he had little option other than to accept Capello's decision and gave a broad hint that he would continue to be involved with the national team.
"I fully respect Fabio Capello's decision," Terry said in a statement. "I will continue to give everything for England."
For Ferdinand, the promotion completes a remarkable rise in his international career.
In 2003, Ferdinand was banned for eight months for missing a drugs test and missed Euro 2004 - ironically being replaced by Terry in the England team for the tournament.
Ferdinand made his England debut as far back as 1997 against Cameroon when, at 19, he was the youngest defender to have been capped. He went on to play in the 2002 World Cup - where he was named in the team of the tournament - and in 2006.
The 31-year-old has been plagued by a back problem for the last 18 months but has recently returned to the United side after a three-month lay-off and so far the injury has not returned.
Ferdinand previously described it as "an honour" to have captained England in Capello's second game in charge, against France in March 2008.
Ferdinand said then: "As a kid you grow up wanting to play for England and lead your country out and I've been given that honour of being able to fulfil those dreams."
United manager Alex Ferguson last season described him as "now the best centre-half in the world by far".