"I have no intention of changing the captain - not today, tomorrow, not even the day after. There is no reason why I should do it," said Eriksson reacting to some press reports here which hinted that Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand could lead his country "in the future".

Eriksson, who announces his squad for next week's World Cup qualifiers against Wales and Azerbaijan later Sunday, also confirmed his backing for striker Michael Owen, whose place is under threat as he struggles to win a place in the Real Madrid team.