England coach Fabio Capello is adamant he tried to meet with Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand to explain taking the captaincy away from him.

Ferdinand's current absence through injury, plus that of vice-captain Steven Gerrard, meant that Capello had a captaincy decision to make, and he believes he has made the right choice.

"Something happened in my mind when I saw the armband being passed around during our game in Copenhagen (against Denmark)," he said.

"We changed it in the second half and it was unfair for John Terry to see this.

"I thought that it was time for John Terry, after punishment, to return and be captain.

"I know that Rio Ferdinand and Steven Gerrard are not fit. I knew it was the moment, with one game which is so important, to have one captain like John Terry.

"I tried to meet him (Ferdinand) when Manchester United played against Marseille but he told me no.

"I can understand everything, but I need to make decisions. I think I will be happy and will meet him (Ferdinand) in the future."

Pushed further on why the meeting with Ferdinand did not take place, Capello added: "It didn't happen, he didn't come.

"It's a question for him, not for me. I was in the directors' box. You have to ask him, okay?"