Michael Carrick has backed Manchester United teammate Rio Ferdinand to be named new England captain.

He said: "He is not only one of the best men for the job, he is also probably the best defender in the world. Rio should definitely be England captain. He has a voice, a presence and everyone in the squad respects him, which is a huge thing.

"Everything about him is right for the job; his experience, everything he's gone through as a player and as a person, he is a great age to be captain.

"As a player he has progressed an untold amount since his West Ham days. He always had the potential but now he is probably the best defender in the world."