Cape Town - England have been dealt a massive blow ahead of the World Cup after their captain Rio Ferdinand was ruled out of the tournament with a knee injury sustained in training.
According to SkySports News, the England skipper picked up a knock at training on Friday and was rushed for medical tests.
Initially, England coach Fabio Capello, tried to play down fears that his leader would be ruled out of the tournament, but his fears were confirmed when the defender left the hospital close to England’s Rustenberg training base on crutches with his knee in a brace.
Liverpool’s Steven Gerrard is set to take over the captaincy from Ferdinand who was awarded the captain's armband by Capello after John Terry’s personal life cost him the opportunity of leading his country in South Africa.
Tottenham Hotspur defender Michael Dawson has been called into the squad to replace Ferdinand.
*Another star attraction at the World Cup, Ivory Coast striker, Didier Drogba also seems to be set to miss out on the World Cup after breaking his right arm on Friday in a warm-up match.
According to SkySports News, the England skipper picked up a knock at training on Friday and was rushed for medical tests.
Initially, England coach Fabio Capello, tried to play down fears that his leader would be ruled out of the tournament, but his fears were confirmed when the defender left the hospital close to England’s Rustenberg training base on crutches with his knee in a brace.
Liverpool’s Steven Gerrard is set to take over the captaincy from Ferdinand who was awarded the captain's armband by Capello after John Terry’s personal life cost him the opportunity of leading his country in South Africa.
Tottenham Hotspur defender Michael Dawson has been called into the squad to replace Ferdinand.
*Another star attraction at the World Cup, Ivory Coast striker, Didier Drogba also seems to be set to miss out on the World Cup after breaking his right arm on Friday in a warm-up match.