South Africa World Cup news: David Beckham praises Rio Ferdinand as a 'great captain'

17/02/2010

David Beckham has become the latest star to back Rio Ferdinand as England captain ahead of the South Africa World Cup.

The AC Milan midfielder lost out to Ferdinand's Manchester United side in the Champions League last night (February 16th 2010), with a brace of headed goals from Wayne Rooney helping the Old Trafford outfit to a 3-2 win.

And Beckham was keen to show his support for the centre-half after the match, declaring his former United team-mate to be "a leader".

Ferdinand was chosen by England boss Fabio Capello as his new captain after previous incumbent John Terry was sacked from the role, following an alleged affair with the ex-girlfriend of Wayne Bridge.

"Rio is a great captain," Beckham said. "He has proved he has been a great captain when he has captained Manchester United in the past."

Chelsea and England midfielder Frank Lampard has also praised Capello's decision to award Ferdinand the armband.

He said the defender was the right choice because the captaincy could have been a burden to Wayne Rooney at the South Africa World Cup.

Posted by Katie Leake