England head coach Fabio Capello has confirmed that the fit-again Rio Ferdinand will captain his side in the European Championship qualifier against Montenegro at Wembley on Tuesday evening.
The 31-year-old Manchester United defender has not featured for his country since May, having missed the World Cup finals in South Africa due to a knee injury sustained in training.
In his absence, Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard has worn the captain’s armband, but Capello has decided to return Ferdinand to the role.”
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Meanwhile, Sunderland striker Darren Bent will miss the game due to a groin injury sustained in training.
The 26-year-old had been expected to partner Wayne Rooney in attack, having netted his first international goal last time out in the 3-1 victory in Switzerland.
Serena Williams has admitted her recent injury setback has left her distraught, after it was confirmed she would not play again this year.
The American suffered a foot problem in July and, although she made a return to training, the Wimbledon champion broke down as a comeback loomed.
She was expected to feature in the Generali Ladies Linz event in Austria this week, but it appears her fresh blow will sideline her for the remainder of the season.
Red Bull team chief Christian Horner insists drivers Mark Webber and Sebastian Vettel should have no fear heading into the final three races of the season.
Webber tops the charts by 14 points ahead of Vettel and Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso and the team extended their grip on the Constructors’ Championship to 45 points over McLaren.
“Mark Webber has extended his lead and Sebastian Vettel has put himself back into contention,” he said.
“There is nothing that we fear in the last races. There is a steely determination in the team.”
Leeds Rhinos have snapped up Australian prop Ben Cross from NRL side Newcastle Knights as their preparations for the new Super League campaign gather momentum.
The 31-year-old was recommended by Rhinos star Danny Buderus and coach Brian McClennan was quick to bring him to Headingley on a two-year deal.
Spain’s Jorge Lorenzo was ecstatic after clinching his first MotoGP world title at the Malaysian Grand Prix.
Lorenzo finished third at Sepang behind winner Valentino Rossi and Andrea Dovizioso to ensure that he was crowned champion in the absence of the injured Dani Pedrosa.
“Today is the happiest day in my life and we have to celebrate it,” Lorenzo beamed.
“You always imagine this moment and dream about it, but when it comes you don’t know how to act or what to say.”
