Capello spoke to Gerrard about captaincy change

STEVEN GERRARD has revealed England manager Fabio Capello spoke to him regarding his change of captain, despite not informing Rio Ferdinand of the decision.

The build-up to Saturday’s Euro 2012 Group G qualifying win over Wales had been dominated by Capello’s decision to take the armband away from Ferdinand and return it to Chelsea’s John Terry, having not spoken to the Manchester United defender about the move.

But Liverpool captain Gerrard told Sky Sports’ Goals on Sunday programme that he had been consulted.

He said: “I did actually get a call. The manager spoke to me.

“He spoke to me and just explained what he’d been doing; he didn’t have to. The manager’s paid to make big decisions and he’s made the decision and I think we all have to respect it and move on.”

Things went much better for the Italian on the field, as goals from Frank Lampard and Darren Bent sealed a comfortablewin at the Millennium Stadium, with a new look 4-3-3 formation paying dividends against limited opposition.

And Gerrard believes the positive performance should mark the point where everyone gets behind Capello and Terry after the furore of recent weeks.

“The captaincy’s very important and I’m really pleased for John that he’s got it back because I know what it means to him. I know he’s been frustrated since he lost it,” he said. “We have to all respect the manager’s decision. The good thing is that we went on and won the game and played well.”

“Everyone’s obviously upset for Rio because he hasn’t done anything wrong to lose it.”

Terry was also keen to play down the furore after the victory at the Millennium Stadium.

He said: “Once again I am very proud to lead the side. It is a great feeling to play for England, let alone captain the side so I am delighted.

“But the game was not about myself and the armband.

“There were some real positives to come out of it again. Ashley Young, I thought again was superb, Scott Parker and young Jack Wilshere also did well.”

Terry also reserved special praise for defensive partner Michael Dawson, who produced a commanding performance as he deputised for the injured Ferdinand.

Terry said: “There is a lot of competition at centre-back but Michael has made the position his own really.

“In the Champions League he has been really good for Tottenham this season and maybe that is the key for him. Playing in the big competitions against the big players can only help.”

Wales captain Craig Bellamy said the future of Welsh football is in safe hands with new boss Gary Speed.

He said: “I have spent all my career involved in really highly professional clubs and then when I came to Wales it was amateur.

“But I have seen so much to be pleased about this week.

“I have no doubt Welsh football in four or five years’ time will be having a lot of success.”