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Wait almost over for England captain candidates

12/08/2008

Fabio Capello has pledged to name a permanent England captain next Monday, ending months of speculation.

Rio Ferdinand, John Terry or Steven Gerrard will learn who will wear the armband for the World Cup 2010 qualification campaign two days before next week's friendly against Czech Republic.

Capello has alternated between the trio as captain in his first four games in charge, which have yielded three wins and a loss.

"I will announce the captain the day before the [Czech Republic] game and I will speak with the captain just a moment before the announcement is made, at the team hotel," Capello said.

"The next game is important because we will be together again for the first time in the new season. Against the Czechs, the first 11 will be the best for me at this moment.

"After the games against the USA and Trinidad and Tobago, when we stayed for ten days together, it's very important for me to be together another time.

"The match against the Czechs is also important because it's a good test to know which players are very fit at this moment. The Andorra and Croatia matches [first World Cup qualifying matches] are very close.

"We will qualify for the World Cup in South Africa. I am sure of it.

"We're a very good team. For us, the opponent is not important, the important thing is what we do."

Capello's squad for next Wednesday's Wembley friendly will be announced on Saturday.