Rio Ferdinand has won back a place in England's defence ahead of Sol Campbell and will begin tomorrow's friendly against Argentina alongside John Terry. The Manchester United centre-half was dropped by Sven-Goran Eriksson for last month's qualifier against Austria after a poor run of form, but his starting berth here looks to be a clear sign that the manager regards him as a first choice for the World Cup.

Ferdinand did play in the most recent England match, the qualifier against Poland last month, but only because Campbell suffered a tight hamstring against Austria four days earlier. This decision is a huge blow to Campbell, who has done nothing wrong on England duty and whose performances for Arsenal have generally been stronger than Ferdinand's have been for his club.

Eriksson, though, has chosen the younger, technically more adept and less injury-prone Ferdinand as he looks towards the finals. The Swede was at Old Trafford last Sunday to see Ferdinand give an improved display in the 1-0 victory over Chelsea, and this will be a huge fillip to the player after a period of sustained criticism, below-par form and the "hurt" of being dropped from the England team.

Ferdinand has accepted his club captain, Roy Keane, was justified in questioning his attitude and performances in the infamous MUTV interview that was never broadcast.