Reports over the move to hand the armband back to John Terry ahead of the game with Wales, 13 months after the Chelsea man was stripped of the role following an alleged affair with the ex-girlfriend of Wayne Bridge, claimed that the first Ferdinand knew of the development was when he read it in a newspaper.

And former national skipper Shearer admitted he would have a great deal of sympathy for Ferdinand if that was indeed the case.

"I find it incredible if that is what happened and Rio Ferdinand read it in a newspaper before the manager spoke to him," he told BBC Five Live.

"Clearly that is not right and he would have every right to feel very angry and let down, and I am sure he will do.

"But once he is fit I am sure he won't let it affect his performances as he is a pro. But you have to feel sorry for him, if that is the case."

But Shearer does not believe Capello will have paid any attention to the media furore surrounding his decision.

"When he came in everyone said this was the guy we needed, a huge disciplinarian who was single minded to sort out the England team, and that's the way he is, he does not give one about what other people think.

"If he wants to do something his way he is going to do it whether you like it or hate it, that's his way.

"He has been successful in the past with clubs, although not with England which is totally different, but that's his way."

Newcastle's record goalscorer also believes Capello should start Arsenal's young midfielder Jack Wilshere in Saturday's Euro 2012 qualifying clash at the Millennium Stadium.

He said: "I would play him, he is a huge talent, a star of the future and I would have him in there as a regular now.

"It will be a great atmosphere and Wales will want to mix it up and get the crowd going, but he can handle that, that's his game."