Rio Ferdinand will miss tomorrow's World Cup qualifier against Andorra because of a neck injury but The Manchester United defender is expected to be fit for the qualifier against Croatia on Wednesday.

England manager Fabio Capello has yet to decide on his vice captain's replacement and is klikely to choose from Ferdinand's club colleague Wes Brown; Everton's Joleon Lescott; or West Ham's Matthew Upson.

The England boss, who faces his first competitive match in charge after five friendlies, also tried to defuse controversy over his decision not to select Micahel Owen in his squad by insisting "the door is still open" for the Newcastle striker.

Capello's decision cast doubt over the international future of Owen but the Italian said he had to take account of the 28-year-old former Liverpool and Real Madrid star's fitness.

"I considered things and I decided he is not fit physically.

"So it is for this reason I have not included Michael Owen but the door is still open for him to return."

Capello also said that he has seen his squad develop since he has taken over
from Steve McClaren earlier this year even though England's performances have not been convincing.

"I have seen a lot of improvement because the players understand what I want and at this moment I am confident in the players in the team for the next two games," Capello added.

"When we played against the Czech Republic the players were not completely fit but now they are better.

"This is only the first game and we have just start on the road for South Africa. We have many more games to play."