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Ferdinand out of the World Cup with knee injury

The serious business has begun now that England have arrived in Rustenburg © Getty Images

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Rio Ferdinand has been ruled out of the World Cup just eight days before England's opening match against USA, after suffering a knee injury in training.

The England captain limped away with a knee problem following a 50-50 tackle with Emile Heskey towards the end of Friday's training session, and Fabio Capello confirmed that Ferdinand was rushed straight to hospital for further scans.

"In the last moment of training, Rio suffered a problem of the knee and he has gone to hospital to discover the nature of the injury," Capello told Friday's press conference. "He did it during a tackle."

The Manchester United man has since left a nearby hospital with the aid of crutches, and reports are now confirming that scans have determined his absence from the World Cup. Tottenham's Michael Dawson has already been alerted as the replacement defender in Capello's squad.

Steven Gerrard, named as vice-captain in the aftermath of John Terry's alleged off-field affair, will now be promoted to the role of England captain.

Elsewhere, David James did not train at all on Friday, while fellow goalkeeping option Robert Green appeared to have a wrist problem, but Capello insists neither player concerns him ahead of England's opener on June 12.

"I'm not concerned. David James had a little problem after the long flight, but neither are a concern," said the Italian.

There was better news surrounding Gareth Barry, who was seen running and stretching during Friday's session. The Manchester City man is fighting to be fit after an ankle ligament injury and, while Capello would not confirm his availability for the USA clash, the England boss did give a positive update on the midfielder's progress.

"He's getting better every day, and he has trained with the physio. We have to be careful. He improves every day."

Meanwhile, Capello has explained his decision to leave Theo Walcott at home for the World Cup, insisting the Arsenal man lacks the confidence he had before dislocating his shoulder.

"It was a very hard decision for me. I know Theo was very important in qualifying, but after his shoulder operation he didn't play too many games with Arsenal. He's currently not the same player that we know he can be.

"I hope he will be perfect for the qualification for the European Championships. I'm very upset, but I had to choose the best player for the best moment.

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