Rebellion: the leading England players

Senior England players are meeting FA chief executive Mark Palios to discuss the Rio Ferdinand case. Among them are:

DAVID BECKHAM:

A former Manchester United team mate of Rio Ferdinand, but fiercely proud of his status as England captain. He is determined to resolve the situation without jeopardising his own position, but is also keen to present the FA with a united front on behalf of the players. He would be a central figure in brokering any deal between the players and the FA as he is trusted and respected by both sides.

SOL CAMPBELL:

The Arsenal defender has had plenty of run-ins with the FA before and is himself facing a disciplinary hearing later today over violent conduct in Arsenal's Community Shield match against Manchester United. His animosity towards the FA means he is likely to voice the players' concerns and could well be the most militant and uncompromising of the squad's representatives.

DAVID JAMES:

James is the oldest and most eloquent of the players. He should be in a position to state the players' case logically and rationally and will be a linchpin in their attempts to persuade the FA to change their mind about axing Ferdinand.

MICHAEL OWEN:

A golden boy who will be considering his own position and attempting to broker a deal. He is not outspoken and is rarely booked, let alone disciplined by the FA. Like Beckham he will be keen to be seen by the players as an advocate, but he is unlikely to risk his own England future by going out on a limb.

THE FA - MARK PALIOS:

The FA's chief executive, a former Tranmere Rovers player turned accountant, has pledged to take a hard line on discipline and drugs in football. He is determined to ensure Ferdinand is not given a get-out clause after flouting the drug testing procedure and was personally responsible for ordering Sven-Goran Eriksson to drop the player from the England team. Can ensure a player never wears an England shirt again.