MANCHESTER United defender Rio Ferdinand will captain England for tomorrow's friendly with France in Paris.

Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard skippered England in Fabio Capello's first game against Switzerland last month.

John Terry was expected to captain the side at the Stade de France. However, the Chelsea defender has been overlooked as Capello opted for Ferdinand, who has won 65 caps for his country.

An FA statement said: "Fabio Capello has confirmed that Rio Ferdinand will captain England against France tomorrow night in Paris.

"Capello has confirmed this continues his policy of rotating the captaincy between players in the friendly matches before confirming a permanent captain for the World Cup qualifying games."