Football Association chairman Lord Triesman has backed John Terry's appointment as England skipper.
Fabio Capello sprang a major surprise, not least of all to Terry, when he confirmed the Chelsea star would retain the captain's armband on Tuesday.
Rio Ferdinand was favourite to take the job ahead of the World Cup qualifying campaign and there have been some suggestions senior figures within the FA hierarchy are unhappy at Capello's choice given some unsavoury off-field headlines in recent times.
But Lord Triesman has offered his official seal of approval and believes Terry's partnership with Ferdinand, who has been appointed vice-captain, can see the Three Lions reach South Africa in two years' time.
"On behalf of everyone at The FA I'd like to offer congratulations to John Terry following Fabio Capello's decision to make him England's permanent captain," said the FA chairman ahead of Wednesday's friendly with the Czech Republic.
"John obviously has tremendous leadership qualities and it is clear how much the captaincy means to him. He has our full support.
"I know that Fabio Capello thought long and hard before making this decision and it is clear that we have a number of leaders within the team.
"In Fabio, John Terry and vice-captain Rio Ferdinand, I'm confident we have the right combination to take us in a winning direction."
