Dwight Yorke says Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand deserves the England captaincy.

The Sunderland star said: "When Rio captained United last season he did superbly well, he was a real leader.

"He has been at Old Trafford for a while now and you can see how the responsibility of being a United player has really enhanced his football.

"But when he was handed the armband he showed he has all the characteristics to take on that highly coveted role."