Ferdinand, Rooney back Redknapp

Former captain Ferdinand, hoping to play for his country at Euro 2012 this year, believes his former West Ham boss is the man best suited to succeed Fabio Capello, who dramatically quit on Wednesday night.

Manchester United defender Ferdinand wrote on Twitter: "I think we need an English manager now, we don't need anything else lost in translation....Harry Redknapp would be my choice by a distance."

Capello resigned after showdown talks with Football Association chairman David Bernstein at Wembley over the FA's decision to go over his head and strip John Terry of the England captaincy.

Tottenham boss Redknapp was cleared of tax evasion charges earlier on Wednesday.

Rooney wrote on Twitte: "Gutted capello has quit. Good guy and top coach. Got to be english to replace him. Harry redknapp for me."

Former England goalkeeper Peter Shilton agreed, telling Sky News: "I think it's maybe Harry's time. He plays the game the right way."

The FA will hold a press conference on Thursday (UK time) at which it is expected to provide more information on Capello's departure.