England skipper Ferdinand out of Wales clash, John Terry tipped for return to captaincy

England skipper Rio Ferdinand will miss the European Championship qualifier with Wales on 26 March with a calf injury, leading to speculation that John Terry could be offered the role which he was stripped off over a year back.

Ferdinand Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson confirmed that the defender would not play a part in the clash against Wales. Ferguson said, Rio has been doing a bit of running. He will be ready for the game after the internationals. I wouldn't have thought he would have a chance before that. I don't think it would be wise for him to be called up by England. He hasn't played for us since January.

His absence gives England coach Fabio Capello a crucial decision to make regarding his skipper, considering his vice captain Steven Gerrard is also out of the tie with a long lay-off. It has given rise to speculation that Capello will give the armband back to John Terry who was his skipper a little over a year back before he was stripped of the honor after a widely-publicized personal scandal.

The English FA insisted that Capello would have the final say on who his captain should be.

Terry's Chelsea team-mate Frank Lampard captained the side against Denmark last month and is also in line to get the armband, with either Wayne Rooney and Gareth Barry touted for the vice-captain role.

However, the Daily Mail reports that Capello is considering whether to re-appoint Terry though it could be harsh on Lampard who has filled in a number of times for Terry's skipper duties at Chelsea.

Terry's leadership quality is a genuine motivator for the team, and it gives Capello a lot to think about. A final decision is yet to be made, with Capello not due to name his squad until March 20.