Chelsea skipper John Terry has been chosen by new head coach Steve McClaren to succeed David Beckham as England captain.
The 25-year-old Blues defender was immediately installed as the bookies' favourite for the captaincy after Beckham relinquished the position following England's second successive World Cup quarter-final exit.
There were many calls for Champions League winner Steven Gerrard to be handed the captain's armband, but the inspirational Liverpool midfielder has instead been made vice-captain.
Terry, who will lead out his country for the first time when McClaren's men take on European champions Greece at Old Trafford next Wednesday, told the Football Association's official website: "It is the ultimate honour to be the captain of your country.
"I am very proud to be given this great opportunity. It is an incredible challenge and one I am looking forward to very much."
McClaren added: "Choosing a captain is one of the most important decisions a coach has to make. I'm certain I've got the right man in John Terry. I'm convinced he will prove to be one of the best captains England has ever had."
The new England boss continued: "John has all the attributes an international captain needs: leadership, authority, courage, ability, tactical awareness and a total refusal to accept second-best. He has been an inspiration for Chelsea and is at his best in adversity.
"Over the five years I've been involved with the England coaching set-up I've seen first hand the respect that John has among his fellow players. There are a number of strong leaders in the squad and he will not lack support on and off the pitch.
"Steven Gerrard was a strong candidate for the captaincy and he will be my vice-captain. He is an outstanding player and another superb club skipper who also leads by example.
"I told Steven when I spoke to him today that I'm sure he will also get the chance to lead his country while I'm Head Coach."
Gerrard said: "I would like to congratulate John on being appointed England captain. I'm sure he'll do a great job. He's a tremendous leader for Chelsea and has all the qualities required to do the role.
"I'm also pleased to have been appointed vice-captain by Steve McClaren today. I am grateful that Steve took the time to call me and inform me of his decision.
"There are a number of captains in the England squad and I know we will all be giving 100 per cent support to Steve and John."
McClaren, meanwhile, is set to complete his England backroom team by unveiling Steve Round as his assistant.
Round, who was McClaren's assistant at Middlesbrough, will work with the senior national team on a part-time basis around his commitments at The Riverside.
The 35-year-old steps into the role vacated by Sammy Lee, who cut his ties with the Football Association earlier this week after turning down the chance to coach the Under-21 team.
Former England boss Terry Venables will be McClaren's full-time assistant at England and will take a senior role on the training pitch.
McClaren is unlikely to make any more coaching appointments as he believes that he has a full team in himself, Venables, Round and goalkeeping coach Ray Clemence.
However, he has scope to bring another person into the backroom team if England are to maintain the same managerial numbers they had under Sven-Goran Eriksson.
Sports psychologist Bill Beswick, who also worked with McClaren at Middlesbrough, could be the man who steps into a non-coaching role on the staff.
source : http://www.itn.co.uk
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