Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand is backing Liverpool's Steven Gerrard to successfully lead England at the World Cup.

Ferdinand inherited the skipper's armband when John Terry was stripped of the captaincy earlier this year.

Steven Gerrard will now captain Fabio Capello's team in the tournament, but Ferdinand believes Terry still has a pivotal role to play.

"Even when I was given the captaincy, I don't think that changes you," said Ferdinand.

"I don't think JT will change the way he plays or the way he is, just because he isn't wearing the armband. If he did, I don't think you'd see the same player. Likewise with Wazza (Wayne Rooney) - if he doesn't show the same passion or has to hold something back, you won't see the same player."