Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand is battling for a place in the England starting XI.

The Sun says Fabio Capello may stick with Phil Jagielka for the Euro 2012 qualifier with Montenegro at Wembley on Tuesday.

Boss Capello was so impressed with the Everton ace in the first two qualifying wins he is considering leaving fit-again Ferdinand on the bench.

Jagielka was the only centre-half to play both the 90 minutes in the 4-0 win over Bulgaria and the 3-1 success in Switzerland.

Ferdinand, 31, has not played since before the World Cup and has just returned to the Manchester United team, playing the last two games without conceding a goal.

Making Ferdinand sub would also save Capello from having to decide between Ferdinand and Steven Gerrard for the right to wear the armband.