Ecuador's captain GIVES UP the armband mid-World Cup to hand it to Chelsea star Moises Caicedo in emotional ceremony

Moises Caicedo is the new captain of Ecuador after his predecessor Enner Valencia gave up the armband midway through the nation's World Cup campaign.

Valencia, 36, formally gave the Chelsea star, 24, the armband during an emotional ceremony in front of team-mates after the South Americans confirmed their safe passage into the knockout rounds of the tournament.

Ecuador are entering an exciting new era with a team brimming with young talent and former West Ham striker Valencia's generous act acknowledges as much.

Last week's stunning 2-1 victory over Germany secured a first knockout berth in two decades for Ecuador, with the nation historically living in the shadows of continental giants Brazil, Argentina and Colombia.

Caicedo, who became one of the world's most expensive midfielders when he joined Chelsea for £115million, is viewed as the cornerstone of Ecuador's future and has deputised for Valencia as captain in recent years.

After a slow start to the tournament with defeat by the Ivory Coast, Ecuador has picked up momentum with their mammoth victory over European heavyweights Germany in New Jersey.

Valencia skippered the team for the defeat by Ivory Coast and 0-0 stalemate with Curacao, before Caicedo wore the armband for the win against Germany.

They could meet England in their World Cup journey should they overcome co-hosts Mexico at the Azterca on Wednesday morning.