Fabio Capello says he has yet to decide whether Rio Ferdinand will reclaim the England captaincy upon his return to the squad.
Ferdinand was named England captain earlier this year after John Terry was stripped of the armband following allegations regarding the Chelsea defender's private life.
However, Ferdinand missed the World Cup finals and opening Euro 2012 qualifiers due to a knee injury, leading to Steven Gerrard captaining the national team.
Gerrard has impressed in the role and there are calls for the Liverpool midfielder to remain as skipper following Ferdinand's return to fitness.
Manchester United defender Ferdinand is expected to be back in the squad for the 12th October qualifier against Montenegro and Capello must decide who will lead the team out.
Wait
When asked whether Ferdinand would be captain if available, Capello said: "I will decide after seeing which players are fit.
"I haven't decided. I can't speak about who will be captain. I hope all the players will be fit and then I will announce it.
"Why not Ferdinand? No, no no. Wait. I can't speak about if, if, if..."
Gerrard has created a favourable impression with Capello and was his first England captain for the friendly with Switzerland in February 2008.
He said: "Gerrard is a really good captain. He is captain of Liverpool, and he always plays like a leader on the pitch."
Capello is slowly rebuilding his reputation with victories over Bulgaria and Switzerland in the opening two Euro 2012 qualifiers.
But he is adamant there will be no reversal of his decision to end his England tenure after the 2012 finals - even if they win the tournament.
He said: "Will anything change my mind? No. I've decided. It is not a problem if we win or lose (in 2012).
"I've decided. I think after four years, one World Cup, not good results, one Euro, is enough. It is good experience for a manager."
Capello will also play no part in appointing his successor and has no hard and fast opinions on whether his replacement should be English.
He said: "Will I decide who replaces me? Absolutely not. It will be a new era.
"I am asked should the next manager be English, but it is the decision of the FA. I think in England there are good managers, but the FA has to decide about this."
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