Ferdinand to fly home after England's opening game against USA

Rustenburg (South Africa), June 7(ANI): England skipper Rio Ferdinand, whose dreams of leading his team to World Cup glory were wrecked by a knee injury, will fly home after the Three Lions' opening game.

England, pitted against USA, Algeria and Slovenia in Group C, will play their first game against USA in Rustenburg on June 15.

Ferdinand will then work on his rehabilitation from the ligament damage, which is likely to sideline him for eight weeks, The Daily Express reports.

According to reports, the 31-year-old is devastated, but wants to remain in South Africa and support England team in any way he can.

England manager Fabio Capello had earlier asked Ferdinand to stay and help the squad prepare for the tournament.

"Capello has spoken with Rio and will be delighted to have him around for as long as he wants to stay," a team source had said.

"Rio is obviously very down at the moment, but to have him around during the tournament would be great for team morale," the source added. (ANI)