Skip to content

Sam Allardyce considering John Terry talks over England return

John Terry playing for England during a Euro 2012 qualifier v Wales
Image: John Terry made the last of his England appearances in 2012

England manager Sam Allardyce says he would be open to speaking to John Terry about a return to the national team but admits there could be 'political' issues.

The Chelsea captain retired from international football in September 2012, four days before he was suspended for four matches by the Football Association for misconduct following an incident during a match against Queens Park Rangers.

He won the last of his 78 caps in England's 5-0 win over Moldova, and was not considered for the national side during Roy Hodgson's time in charge. 

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

New Chelsea head coach Antonio Conte says John Terry is an important player and will remain as captain of the club

However, asked if Terry could be considered for England selection again, Allardyce said: "I don't know what the political side of that might mean, if there is a political side. I'll have to have that conversation if I feel that John Terry may be a possibility.

"I think it depends on what John said. Maybe if I get the opportunity, I might have to give him a ring. But until I come to that selection or that process, we'll wait and see."

Allardyce will name his first England squad on Sunday as he prepares for the opening match of their 2018 World Cup qualification campaign in Slovakia on September 4. 

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

England manager Sam Allardyce says that he'll select Joe Hart, despite him being dropped by Manchester City

Allardyce will announce his skipper this week and has also confirmed Joe Hart will remain part of the squad for his first games in charge.

Also See:

But the 61-year-old remained coy on whether he will select Hart's Manchester City team-mate John Stones, stressing he was focused on immediate results rather than playing potential.

Allardyce to name first squad
Allardyce to name first squad

Sam Allardyce will name his first England squad on Sunday, August 28.

"See there's that word then, we don't want potential do we. I want the thing, and right now," he said when asked about Stones.

"Potential is something that's going to be great in the future. I want it right now and I think he's got a great chance of becoming right now working with Manchester City.

"With all due respect to Everton, working with Manchester City and the level he has to get to because you don't realise he (Guardiola) does focus quite a lot on defending - not just wining the ball back.

"(Gerard) Pique was a little similar at Man United until he went to Barcelona then he became a good defender as well as a great attribute for Barcelona in possession. So he had both. That's why he stayed there for so long."

Around Sky