Euro 2012 News: Terry stripped of England captaincy

Just 11 months after regaining the armband, John Terry has been deposed as England captain for the second time, following confirmation earlier this week that allegations of racially abusing Anton Ferdinand won't be resolved before Euro 2012.

Fabio Capello had previously expressed his belief that the Chelsea defender should be considered innocent until proven otherwise, however news earlier this week that he won't stand trial until July put pressure on the FA to make a decision before the tournament.

It is widely reported that FA chairman David Bernstein told Terry that he would be axed as skipper with a phone call on Friday morning, though it is not yet clear whether Capello will be advised not to even pick him in his squad. The England coach is out of the country, yet due to return on Saturday.

Choosing his replacement looks far more complex that it was when before the World Cup, as the man who took charge then, Rio Ferdinand, is far from certain to be in the starting line-up. His brother's involvement in the Terry saga potentially complicates matters too.

Steven Gerrard is probably the frontrunner to get the nod, but injuries have prevented him from being a regular fixture for the Three Lions recently, while other contenders like Frank Lampard and Gareth Barry aren't guaranteed starters.

Ashley Cole and Wayne Rooney should also stake a claim, though the former wouldn't be the most popular choice - albeit fairly logical given that his place is arguably the safest of any outfield player - and the latter will miss the first two group games through suspension.

England are fourth favourites to win Euro 2012 at 10.519/2 and 2.6613/8 to top Group A.

UPDATE: Rio Ferdinand has posted "I don't want to be England captain after the last episode" on Twitter.