Rio Ferdinand has ruled himself out of the running to replace John Terry as England captain after the Chelsea skipper was stripped of the armband earlier today.
The Manchester United centre-back was one of the early favourites to lead England at Euro 2012 but posted a message on Twitter saying that getting in the squad was his only priority.
He also cites "the last episode" as a reason for not wanting to be skipper, a reference to when Capello reinstated Terry over Ferdinand after the Chelsea man was removed from the post following newspaper allegations of extra-marital behaviour.
"I don't want to be england captain after the last episode, just want to concentrate on playing for United and if I make the squad then as ever I'll be delighted," he tweeted.
Tensions could rise between the pair, who have been at the heart of the Three Lions defence for many years, as Terry has been charged with racially abusing Ferdinand's younger brother Anton.
The duo are due to meet in the Premier League this Sunday and United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has said that he will speak with Ferdinand about any issues he may have with shaking Terry's hand.
Sports Mole has considered who else could take up the armband in Poland and Ukraine this summer. Find out who here.
Pascal Lemesre
