Ferdinand wants England armband

LONDON (AFP) — Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand admitted Saturday he would like the England captaincy on a regular basis.

But the 29-year-old said he would not "shrivel up and go into a shell" if he is overlooked by Fabio Capello.

Ferdinand captained England for the friendly with France in March and also took the Manchester United armband during Gary Neville's long-term absence through injury.

Capello appointed Steven Gerrard as captain in his first match in charge of England and John Terry, the skipper under Steve McClaren, is also a candidate.

Ferdinand told The Sun: "Being the captain of England can never be a hassle.

"It's an honour and privilege. It's not the be-all and end-all for me.

"If I'm not the captain I won't shrivel up and go into a shell.

"It won't affect the way I play or ...