Rio: I'll be fit for title showdown - and also to lift the World Cup with England

Rio Ferdinand is ready for Manchester United's title moment of truth on Sunday - and is confident he will be fit for the World Cup.

England skipper Ferdinand, who has yet to wear the Three Lions armband since he took over as captain from shamed playboy John Terry, is expected to return for United in their Premier League finale against Stoke on Sunday.

With only three minutes of first-team football under his belt in a month because of a back injury, Ferdinand is desperate to prove he is fit to lead Fabio Capello's crusade in South Africa.

And after playing for 27 minutes in his former West Ham mentor Tony Carr's testimonial at Upton Park on Wednesday night, he said: "I just want to get out there, play some football and be successful.

"If we can get everyone fit, and everyone is flying, we've got a fantastic chance of doing well in South Africa."

Carr thanked Sir Alex Ferguson for allowing Ferdinand a run-out at his tribute match, especially as United could still pip Chelsea to the title if they slip up against Wigan.

He said: "I gave Rio the No.6 shirt in the hope it brings him as much luck as it did for Bobby Moore in 1966."