Capello Confident Rooney Can Handle Captaincy

England manager Fabio Capello has put his confidence in Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney, who was appointed captain for the The Lion's Brazilian encounter.

With John Terry on the sidelines due to a plaguing ankle injury, Capello has looked to Rooney to fill in as skipper for the international friendly against the five-time world champions, despite his inexperience with the role.

'Wazza' has been said to have pleaded with Sir Alex Ferguson to lead the Red Devils in the past, however he has only been given the role in two Champions League matches, the most recent one being against Roma in 2007.

However, Capello is adamant that Rooney can handle the pressure of international leadership, comparing him with past greats who were able to juggle scoring goals whilst wearing their side's arm-band.

Capello told Sportinglife: “Why not? Some of the best players in the world were captains and also scored goals; Pele, Cruyff, Platini, Maradona.”

“You have to be a leader on the pitch.”

Despite Rooney’s relatively young age, Capello maintained that he will fit into the position like a glove - given England's shortage of leadership heads available for the clash.

“Rooney is not so much of a leader in the dressing room as he is on the pitch.”

“But tomorrow, we need a leader on the pitch because we are missing so many players. And Rooney is ready,” he said.

Omar Dabbagh, Goal.com