Ferdinand picked up a knee injury in training on Friday and a scan has shown the United star will miss the World Cup.
“England Captain Rio Ferdinand today suffered a left-knee ligament injury in training,” read a statement on the FA’s official website.
“Further to a scan arranged by the England medical staff immediately after training on Friday afternoon, Rio has been ruled out for 4-6 weeks and will therefore unfortunately miss the World Cup.”
England boss Fabio Capello said: “It is obviously bad news and everyone with the squad is very disappointed and sorry for Rio.
“It was an accidental injury in training, but had nothing to do with the pitch.”
Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard has now been made England captain while Tottenham defender Michael Dawson has taken Ferdinand’s place in the World Cup squad.
