RIO Ferdinand has provided a welcome boost for both Sir Alex Ferguson and Fabio Capello after getting the all-clear to play in England's crucial World Cup qualifier with Croatia tonight.

The Manchester United defender had to miss Saturday's 2-0 win against Andorra because of a neck problem.

But Capello confirmed his vice-captain is fit enough to resume his partnership with John Terry at the centre of defence - which also means he could be available for United's crunch clash with Liverpool on Saturday.

Capello said: "Rio is fit for the game and it is good to have him available because he is a leader and an important player."

Ferdinand was replaced by Everton's Joleon Lescott against Andorra, but ahead of arguably the most important game of England's qualifying campaign, Capello is understandably relieved to have the United man available again.

Ferguson, too, will have been worried about the prospect of travelling to Anfield on Saturday without such a key player.

Meanwhile, Terry has urged England to take control of their World Cup destiny with victory tonight.

"If we win every home game and our big games, we'll be OK," he said. "It's a fresh start for everyone - a new campaign with everybody fighting for a place under the new manager.

"If we can win then great, but if we draw it is a very good result too. They haven't lost here for a while and that is something we're aware of."