Michael Regan/Getty Images

England's captain and central defender Rio Ferdinand's World Cup is over, after he injured his knee in training.

The Manchester United defender sustained the knee injury during a training session, and was rushed to hospital, where he was later discharged on crutches with a brace on his knee, amongst reports suggesting that he will be out of action for at least four weeks

These reports have now been confirmed, and he has been ruled out of the tournament.

Under FIFA rules, players can be replaced up to the day before the opening game with England to start their campaign against USA on June 12. England have sent for Tottenham defender Michael Dawson, who was one of seven players cut from the initial 30-man squad, to fill his position in the squad, although Ledley King is widely tipped to take his place in the starting lineup.

Meanwhile vice skipper Steven Gerrard is expected to take over the armband, and to lead the Three Lions, for the tournament.