John Terry has been stripped of the England captaincy by manager Fabio Capello following media revelations about his private life.
Capello met with the 29-year-old Chelsea skipper at 3pm on Friday afternoon to discuss his future as captain ahead of the World Cup in South Africa this summer.
The Italian said in a statement released on the FA's website soon after 4pm: "After much thought, I have made the decision that it will be best for me to take the captaincy away from John Terry.
“As a captain with the team, John Terry has displayed extremely positive behaviour. However, I have to take into account other considerations and what is best for all of the England squad. What is best for all of the England team has inspired my choice."
Terry said: "I fully respect Fabio Capello's decision, and I will continue to give everything for England."
Capello returned from a break in Switzerland on Friday morning following a knee operation and the meeting at Wembley is said to have lasted just 12 minutes.
The Chelsea skipper allegedly had an affair with England team-mate Wayne Bridge's ex-partner Vanessa Peroncell, and has been the subject of intense media speculation in the past week.
Capello's employers at the Football Association had insisted the decision on Terry's future would be taken by Capello alone.
“John Terry was notified first," Capello added in his statement.
“When I chose John Terry as captain, I also selected a vice-captain and also named a third choice. There is no reason to change this decision."
This indicates vice-captain Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand will become captain, although Capello did not make this explicit.
Capello's statement concluded: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank The FA, particularly Lord David Triesman and Ian Watmore for allowing me to make this decision in my own time and in the best interest of the team."
Wayne Rooney of Manchester United, Steven Gerrard of Liverpool and Terry's Chelsea team-mate Frank Lampard have all been suggested as potential replacements as captain, and in light of Ferdinand's ongoing fitness problems this season one of them may eventually lead England in South Africa.
Chelsea coach Carlo Ancelotti has already publically said that Terry will continue to captain the Premier League title contenders.
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