England v USA preview

Terry returns to skipper side as Capello looks for response

By James Dall   Last updated: 28th May 2008

England v USA preview

Terry: Capello's leader

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John Terry will return to captain England in manager Fabio Capello's third game in charge against USA on Wednesday evening at Wembley.

Chelsea centre-half Terry, skipper under former boss Steve McClaren, is the third player to be handed the role under Capello as the Italian rotates the armband before naming the permanent captain ahead of the World Cup qualifiers.

Capello is hopeful the honour of leading out his country at the home of English football will hand Terry a much-needed pick-me-up after last week's UEFA Champions League penalty shoot-out heartache.

The former Juventus, Milan and Real Madrid coach will also be looking for a hearty response from his players after he suffered defeat in just his second game at the helm versus France in March.

Unbeaten in 2008

Bob Bradley's USA, meanwhile, should provide a stern test for England after an excellent run of form which has seen them go unbeaten in five matches - including triumphs over Poland and Sweden.

Goalkeeper Joe Hart, so impressive for Manchester City during the 2007/08 campaign, could be in line for his first senior cap, while Terry is set to be partnered by Moscow victor Rio Ferdinand in the heart of defence.

Capello has confirmed Frank Lampard will feature for the first time under his stewardship; meaning Steven Gerrard, Owen Hargreaves and Gareth Barry are to compete for a starting berth alongside the Chelsea man in the middle of midfield.

The Italian coach also plans to involve the remaining Blues players that took part against United last Wednesday, while Red Devils striker Wayne Rooney is expected to form a front two with striker Dean Ashton.

Gold cap

David Beckham will be presented with a commemorative gold cap by Sir Bobby Charlton prior to the national anthems after he tallied 100 England appearances against the French.

Bradley, who officially took over as national team coach in May 2007, has eight England-based players at his disposal for the fixture as USA look to avoid a third successive defeat against the English.

Wednesday evening could be a historic night for Los Angeles Galaxy forward Landon Donovan, who is poised to land his 100th international appearance and become the youngest American player to win a century of caps at 26-years-old.