Fabio Capello appoints Chelsea skipper John Terry as England captain for qualifying campaign

John Terry has been named as England captain for the 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign.

The Chelsea skipper beat off competition from Manchester United's Rio Ferdinand, who was widely tipped for the post.

Two years ago, Terry was handed the armband by then England coach Steve McClaren following another two-horse race, this time with Steven Gerrard, but today boss Fabio Capello has given Terry the nod.

Chelsea centre-half Terry, whose previous tenure leading out England ended with a failure to qualify for Euro 2008, will lead his country into the vital qualifying campaign which hopefully ends in South Africa and the 2010 World Cup Finals.
Capello has taken his time before coming to a decision and Terry will begin his second stint as permanent captain in tomorrow's friendly against the Czech Republic at Wembley.

It's the last game before the qualifying campaign kicks off next month with two ties, against Andorra, in Barcelona, and then a much tougher challenge against Slaven Bilic's Croatia, in Zagreb.

No way Jose! Lampard finally signs stellar new deal with Chelsea to close door on joining Mourinho at Inter Milan

Frank Lampard has signed a lucrative new five-year deal with Chelsea, describing it as the last major contract of his career.

The 30-year-old ended protracted negotiations and speculation over his future by agreeing to extend his stay at Stamford Bridge beyond next season in a deal that is likely to make him the best-paid player in British football.

Lampard had been targeted by Inter Milan to sign ahead of the start of this season, but when Chelsea's price tag became prohibitive, the Italians appeared ready to take him on a free next summer.

Lampard told the club's official TV station: 'I've had great seasons here and now I can have many more. It has been a difficult summer for many reasons. Now we can concentrate on football.'

The England international revealed the club had helped him through the death of his mother Pat in April.

He said: 'The club has been fantastic. I told them I needed some time. It has been a long period negotiating - it has been a very important contract. I'm 30 now, so I see it as my last big contract.

'I'm personally very happy and I hope I've made the Chelsea fans happy. I've had seven great seasons here and now I can have many more.

Lampard's negotiations stretched on for months as he insisted on a five-year deal when the club were initially only prepared to offer four years.

The midfielder is thought to have at least matched John Terry's salary of about £135,000 a week. Lampard is thought to have turned down a four-year deal worth £140,000 a week earlier this summer.

Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon explained the contract talks had taken time because it was a major decision for Lampard.

'These are big issues for the club, for Frank and any other player,' said Kenyon. 'Whatever has gone on I think there is that underlying desire that we get there.

'It's taken both Frank and the club longer than we originally thought.'

The deal will no doubt disappoint former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho, who had hoped Lampard would play a key role in the San Siro club's midfield.