England captain John Terry will miss Saturday's World Cup qualifier against Kazakhstan because of a back injury.

Coach Fabio Capello said that fellow centre-back Rio Ferdinand will take the armband at Wembley in his absence.

Everton's Joleon Lescott is the favourite to partner the Manchester United man at the heart of the defence.

Terry may, however, be fit for England's game in Belarus on Wednesday but will have to return to training on Sunday or Monday at the latest.

After confirming the absence of Chelsea skipper Terry for Saturday's match, Capello placed his faith in whoever his replacement will be, with West Ham's Matthew Upson the other contender.

"It is a problem in the back for Terry," he said.

"But we have plenty of players, we have the substitutes, I am sure the substitute of John Terry will play well."

When asked if the Chelsea skipper would be fit for the Belarus match in Minsk, the Italian could not give a definitive response.

"I don't know, it depends on his back, if he can train a bit the day after tomorrow," he said. "But we have good replacements."

More soon.

(BBC)

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