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World Cup: Steven Gerrard gets Captain's armband
ENGLAND'S new World Cup captain Steven Gerrard insists he is "ready to lead the country" this summer.
Vice-captain Gerrard takes over the armband after Rio Ferdinand was ruled out of the tournament with a knee ligament injury suffered in training on Friday lunchtime.
England's worst fears have been confirmed after the Manchester United defender went straight to hospital after suffering the setback in the final few minutes of the training session.
Gerrard led his country for the eighth time in the friendly international with Egypt at Wembley in March and has no qualms about stepping into the breach again on this occasion.
The Liverpool captain was asked prior to Ferdinand's injury about the possibility of taking over as skipper and made it clear he would be up for the challenge.
Asked during England's recent pre-tournament training camp in Austria if he would relish the responsibility, he said: "I don't know whether relish is the right word.
"First and foremost let's hope that Rio is available for us because he's such an important player.
"Every player in the squad wants Rio to be fit and available and leading us at the World Cup.
"But I will be ready to lead the country if called upon."
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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