Bobby Moore is the England inspiration

It is only a week ago that Bernstein confirmed he was stripping John Terry of the honour after the Chelsea defender's racism trial was put back until July 9. With such an issue hanging over him, Bernstein and his fellow members of the 14-strong FA board took their fateful decision, without consulting coach Fabio Capello, which led to the Italian's resignation.

Bernstein regretted the rancour, but he insisted the role was simply too important, and said: "There is something particular about an England football captain. When you look at the statue of Bobby Moore outside Wembley, that is the stature that we are looking for from England captains."

He added: "The FA board, 14 people, had a uniformed view on this. We felt that going into a European Championship it was an overhanging issue that was not appropriate and not in the best interests of England to be allowed to continue.

"In addition, there have been issues in the past in different parts of the world and there might have been a dichotomy with that and this captaincy being allowed to continue."

Source: PA

Source: PA