“It means the world to me to retain the armband,” Terry told a press conference on Tuesday.

“I was standing next to Rio when the coach announced it and he turned to me and shook my hand. That shows the quality of the man."

The Italian tactician used a rotation policy since he took over England in January, giving the captaincy to Terry, David Beckham, Steven Gerrard, Rio Ferdinand and Frank Lampard.

But now the 27-year old defender will be the permanent Captain and Manchester United defender Ferdinand will be the vice-captain.

"John’s big personality is why I chose him but Rio is also important for the team which is why I made him vice-captain," Capello said.