Ferdinand: heartbreak for skipper

England captain Rio Ferdinand has suffered World Cup heartache just seven days before the tournament kicks off.

Sky sources reported on Friday afternoon that the Manchester United defender would not take any part in the World Cup after injuring his knee in a training session.

The problem arose when Ferdinand was involved in what coach Fabio Capello described as a "minor tackle" in England's first training session after arriving at their Bafokeng Sports Centre base in South Africa.

He was immediately rushed to hospital for scans on his knee and after leaving hospital on crutches, Sky Sports News broke the story that the national team captain would play no part in England's World Cup bid.

With Tottenham's Michael Dawson flying out to replace Ferdinand, several former England players were quick to give us their views on what the news means for Capello and his squad...

Terry Butcher (England 1980-1990)

"It's a massive blow. He's captain of his country, he's the heart of that defence and he's a leader. He's been highly quoted about this World Cup and how there are no excuses, how it's about making amends for previous debacles, so for him to be out is a hammer blow really. It's something England could well do without. I've never heard of injuries in training before the tournament - I know competition is fierce but it's obviously too fierce!

"Capello's plans have gone up in smoke really and now (Michael) Dawson's coming out - I think he should have been there to start with - but Ledley King has to be the main man now. For me, he's the one that should step in; whoever's going to come in then England have to make sure they help his recuperation by putting on a good performance and once he's gone, getting back down to business, back down to training and hope they do well. It is a blow though, because of his experience; he's played in three World Cups - this was his fourth - and he is one of those big players, one of those big-game players."

Bryan Robson (England 1980-1991)

"It's the biggest disappointment you can receive as a player. To miss a World Cup when you've been building up to it all year will be a massive disappointment to Rio, but injuries happen in football. It's unfortunate for Rio, but now Ledley King, Michael Dawson and Matthew Upson, get their chance.

"I think Rio was a little bit concerned about his back which he had problems with in the early parts of the season, and that's why he was relieved because his back seemed to be ok and he was going in fully fit into the World Cup. So to go into a tackle in training and injure his knee is a big blow for the lad and England. He will be missed and it would have been a great achievement to have played in four World Cup finals.

"I think Fabio Capello already made his decision that Rio was going to be captain and Steven Gerrard would take over if anything was to happen to Rio, so I think that decision has already been made. He's proved with Liverpool [he has the right temperament], he's captained England before and I've said that if Wayne Rooney and Steven Gerrard are at the top of their game then England have a great chance of doing very well at this World Cup. So this might just inspire Steve to get to his top form and lead by example. It might just be the boost he needs as well."

Alan Mullery (England 1964-1971)

"We will miss him, there's no doubt about that, because he's an outstanding footballer but he's been a little bit restricted this season with his injuries. Ledley King has had a knee injury but has still played more games than Rio this season. When you are not 100 percent pukka and fit other injuries do happen; the boy's had really bad luck with the injuries he's had. Another injury is not good for the boy, it's not good for his confidence but if there are any pluses I'd be delighted if Michael Dawson goes to the World Cup as his replacement.

"I've seen Ledley play two games in a week so there's no reason why that can't happen again but if Michael Dawson goes there's no reason why he can't get in the side either; he and Ledley have played very, very well for Tottenham this season. Then again you've got Matthew Upson there too - so there is still a very good choice of central defenders available to England. Matthew Upson has played with John Terry on numerous occasions for England so I shouldn't think there is a major problem with Rio missing out. If it had been Wayne Rooney I would have been screaming my head off!"