Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand is delighted to be have been handed the England captaincy for tonight's clash with Kazakhstan. The 29-year-old told theFA.com: "Being captain in any game is great, but leading out England in the first World Cup qualifier at Wembley is very special.

"I am very much looking forward to it. I will cherish this moment."

Ferdinand previously skippered England in the friendly defeat to France last March, when he emerged with plenty of credit.

Sir Alex Ferguson has said the Londoner will be the next permanent skipper of United, with Gary Neville's long-term injuries meaning he often wore the armband for the Red Devils last season, including for the Champions League final win over Chelsea in Moscow.

However, leading his country out - at the new national stadium - promises to be a different experience completely.

He explained: "The biggest thing will be walking out at Wembley. It is a fantastic new stadium and the home of our national team. To lead England out against France in Paris was great, but I think this will up the ante even more.

"Being at home in front of a sell-out crowd, in front of our own fans, my family there as well - I can't wait."