England coach Fabio Capello is keen for injured Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand to remain with the squad.

The Daily Mailsays Ferdinand plans to return to Manchester United for an assessment on his injured knee after England's opener against the USA on Saturday.

But once a rehabilitation programme has been devised, he hopes to return to South Africa to support his colleagues.

It would mean Ferdinand and David Beckham taking up some time of England's medical team when their first priority should be to the players in the squad.

But just as Capello sees value in having Beckham around the camp, he believes the presence of his captain could also have a positive effect.