Capello sets bar for skipper

9:59am Tuesday 29th April 2008

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FABIO Capello has played down Rio Ferdinandfs chances of captaining England by claiming that his permanent skipper must set an example gon and off the pitchh.

Ferdinand wore the captainfs armband in Englandfs most recent international, a 1-0 defeat in France, with Steven Gerrard having skippered the side in Februaryfs 2-1 win over Switzerland.

Capello intends to appoint a permanent captain ahead of Septemberfs opening World Cup qualifier against Andorra and, while Chelsea centre-half John Terry remains a contender, it was widely reported that Ferdinand was the favourite.

Whether that remains the case now is a moot point, with Ferdinand having completely lost his composure in the latter stages of Manchester Unitedfs 2-1 defeat at Stamford Bridge, and been forced to apologise to a female steward who he accidentally kicked in the tunnel.

Capello is known to be aware of the unsavoury incident, and has admitted that Englandfs captain must be a role model away from the field of play.

gA captain must be a leader,h said the England manager. gHe must lead by example and set an example and drag the team forward.

At the same time, he needs to be a role model outside the pitch and outside football.

gI will choose a captain based on their attitude on the pitch and their behaviour off the field as well. I think I need to see what their attitude is about wearing the armband, on the pitch and off it. Thatfs why Ifve not chosen yet.h As well as influencing his choice of captain, Capello has also revealed that player behaviour will help determine the make-up of his England squad for this summerfs friendlies against the United States and Trinidad & Tobago.

Capello was speaking at a sponsoredbyyou.com event. Nationwide gives their international football tickets, VIP opportunities, mascots, signed shirts and training sessions back to customers through the eSponsored by youf campaign.

For more footage of the interview and a chance to win prizes visit sponsoredbyyou.com