Boss - Terry Fab for England
Chelsea boss backs defender to skipper his country again
Last updated: 19th March 2008
Terry: Missed Capello's first game
England needs him more than he needs England... If he'd played against Croatia, England, in my opinion, would be in the European Championship
Grant on Terry
Quotes of the week
Watch the Premier League title race unfold live on Sky Sports 1 and HD1 on 23rd March.
First up Manchester United entertain Liverpool, kick-off 1.30pm, followed at 4pm by Arsenal's trip to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea.
Coverage of Grand Slam Sunday gets underway at 1pm.
Related links
Teams
Players
Also see
Avram Grant has urged England coach Fabio Capello to keep faith with John Terry as captain.
Capello is set to name his squad for next week's friendly with France on Thursday and the Chelsea coach is adamant that Terry is the only man for the captain's armband.
Terry is almost certain to be included in Capello's squad after recovering from the fractured foot which kept him out of action for two months - including the Italian's first match in charge against Switzerland.
And Grant believes that his leadership qualities make him the outstanding choice.
"England needs him more than he needs England," said Grant. "It's not my decision on the captaincy - I'm not objective.
"Steven Gerrard is one of my favourite players, but I saw JT as a captain here.
"In football, there are good and bad days. You saw the leadership of JT when we needed him.
"I don't see why we need to see differently in terms of the captaincy. You saw how they missed him against Croatia. Look at his leadership.
"A captain like him you will not find every day. If he'd played against Croatia, England, in my opinion, would be in the European Championship.
Perfect
"There were so many difficult moments in that game, and in those moments you see the leaders."
Grant believes Terry is the perfect candidate to unite the squad, management and supporters after the failure to reach Euro 2008.
"He's a great leader, so England don't need to change him. He understands very quickly what I believe. In football, the players need to be loyal to the fans because they were here before any player or manager and will stay after them, and he's loyal to the club," the Israeli said.
"They pay the money and give you the opportunity. He respects the management. Look at (Zinedine) Zidane. He was always loyal to the club that he played for.
"JT, in very difficult moments when some people were confused a little bit, he showed his loyalty to the club.
"It's not easy to come back from long-term injury, but he's come back very good like all of our injured players.
"Not only because he scored our goal at Sunderland, but because he played very well. He's having one of his best seasons at this club."
| Time | Fixture |
|---|---|
| Saturday 30th August | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| 15:00 | Bolton vs West Brom |
| 15:00 | Everton vs Portsmouth |
| 15:00 | Hull vs Wigan |
| 15:00 | Middlesbrough vs Stoke |
| 15:00 | West Ham vs Blackburn |
| 17:30 | Arsenal vs Newcastle |
| Sunday 31st August | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| 13:30 | Chelsea vs Tottenham |
| 15:00 | Sunderland vs Man City |
| 16:00 | Aston Villa vs Liverpool |
| Saturday 13th September | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| 12:45 | Liverpool vs Man Utd |
| 15:00 | Blackburn vs Arsenal |
| 15:00 | Fulham vs Bolton |
| 15:00 | Newcastle vs Hull |
| 15:00 | Portsmouth vs Middlesbrough |
| 15:00 | West Brom vs West Ham |
| 15:00 | Wigan vs Sunderland |
| 17:30 | Man City vs Chelsea |
| Sunday 14th September | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| 13:30 | Stoke vs Everton |
| Monday 15th September | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| 20:00 | Tottenham vs Aston Villa |
| Saturday 20th September | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| 12:00 | Sunderland vs Middlesbrough |
| Time | Result |
|---|---|
| Monday 25th August | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| Portsmouth 0 - 1 Man Utd | |
| Sunday 24th August | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| Man City 3 - 0 West Ham | |
| Wigan 0 - 1 Chelsea | |
| Saturday 23rd August | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| Fulham 1 - 0 Arsenal | |
| Newcastle 1 - 0 Bolton | |
| Liverpool 2 - 1 Middlesbrough | |
| Stoke 3 - 2 Aston Villa | |
| West Brom 1 - 2 Everton | |
| Tottenham 1 - 2 Sunderland | |
| Blackburn 1 - 1 Hull | |
| Sunday 17th August | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| Man Utd 1 - 1 Newcastle | |
| Aston Villa 4 - 2 Man City | |
| Chelsea 4 - 0 Portsmouth | |
| Saturday 16th August | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| Sunderland 0 - 1 Liverpool | |
| Bolton 3 - 1 Stoke | |
| Middlesbrough 2 - 1 Tottenham | |
| Hull 2 - 1 Fulham | |
| Everton 2 - 3 Blackburn | |
| West Ham 2 - 1 Wigan | |
| Arsenal 1 - 0 West Brom | |
Features
Rome sweet Rome
Join the Sky Sports debate on the draw for the group stages of the UEFA Champions League.
Window pain
The transfer window isn't going to shut for good anytime soon so get used to it, says Andy Gray.
No Red alert
Phil Thompson told Sky Sports News that Liverpool can be fairly content with their CL draw.
Experts & Blogs
Latest Football News
Bolton seal Smolarek deal
Bolton have signed Racing Santander forward Ebi Smolarek on a season-long loan deal.
Premier League preview
The fixture compilers clearly have a sense of humour, sending Liverpool to Aston Villa just before the transfer window closes.
Super Cup glory for Zenit
Manchester United were defeated 2-1 by Zenit St Petersburg in the Uefa Super Cup in Monaco.
Transfer clockwatch
Bolton have completed the loan signing of Poland international Ebi Smolarek from Racing Santander.
Cottagers sign Etuhu
Fulham have snapped up Sunderland midfielder Dickson Etuhu for an undisclosed fee.
Comments
Jacques Yves-cousteau (West Ham United fan) says...
Gary Neville should be the main captain for England when he's ready. Terry has not the discipline or the elegance to be a world-class captain. Woodgate is a far better footballer. While Gary Neville is recovering, Gerrard would be best. If Beckham had not stepped down, he would be first choice.
Posted 14:53 27th March 2008
Damo Lee (Liverpool fan) says...
It's gotta be Gerrard all the way, passion, power, leadership and role model he has it all, what does Terry have, arrogance, too much to say, he's a class A idiot, and as for Avram Grants comment about England need Terry more than Terry needs England gives you a clear idea of where this chelsea team get there arrogance from.. shut up mate!
Posted 23:08 19th March 2008
David Holloway (spurs fan) says...
Terry shouldn't even be in the starting eleven. Capello should stick with the team that won his first game in charge and until Terry learns to spend less time berating referees he should remain on the bench. Why are we all obsessed with changing a winning team in this country? As for a captain, i think Rio is as good a shout as anyone as he plays in a team that is constantly winning and can concentrate on his game rather than trying to lift the entire team. When was the last time Gerrard performed for England?
Posted 15:27 19th March 2008
Sam Shaker (Arsenal fan) says...
I think that Gerard should be captain. It does not matter who shows more passion. But Gerard has done some magnificent things with Liverpool. He is passionate but composed. He is a real leader. Ruthless. Player follow him by example. England should utilise his strengths for their benefit. Terry is a great defender and very passionate, and he leads by example, but stupidly. Capello will make the correct choice.
Posted 15:16 19th March 2008
Nick Gough says...
Cannot see why the country would want Gerrard as captain.Yeah he produces for liverpool, but i cannot remember an england game when he produced the goods.I am a Chelsea fan and of course im gonna say i want Terry as captain, but i dont think that either one of them can have any impact on Englands under achievers.Sure, we can all point the finger at steve mcclaren for not getting us to the Euros, but all those high earning players should hang their heads in shame!!As for the captains arm band?Dont think anyone in the squad deserves the privilege.Give it to the 8 year old mascot, maybe he can have an impact!
Posted 14:18 19th March 2008
Peter Murema (Chelsea fan) says...
I would go for Terry. I was sick to death to see England being eliminated by Croatia under the helpless eyes of Gerrard. It was a shame to see all the English stars being beaten by Croatia at home, whereas all they needed was a draw! Gerrard did nothing to save his vessel and I think he should stop. The line between being a good player and being a good captain is fine. Proof of it is that Puyol and Rio Ferdinand, for example, are not better than Lionel M. or Christian Ronaldo!!!
Posted 14:05 19th March 2008
Darren Baxter (Middlesbrough fan) says...
John Terry should not even start for England, let alone captain them. I feel, along with Lampard, the only play well when they have big start around them. When it comes to them actually having to take control and lead (World Cup/Euro Qualifiers) where were they? Jonny Woodgate, Upson, Carragher, even our own Wheater are far better suited for England. To play for England you need to have heart and priide, how can anyone on £130 000 a week have pride and passion for England? Steven Gerrard for captain!
Posted 13:52 19th March 2008
Steve Glean (West Ham United fan) says...
As much as I admire John Terry before his injury he showed poor judgement. I think it was no coincidence Chelsea started playing well when he wasn't in the side. Since he's returned they have lost the league cup and the FA tie to Barnsley. Worst of all Terry did not take the field against Croatia but played on the Saturday for Chelsea. Gerrard actually got in trouble with Benitiez for still playing for England even though he was injured admittedly he did not cover himself in glory that night, but at least he was on the field.
Posted 12:28 19th March 2008
Bharat Ghildiyal (Manchester United fan) says...
Its true that Terry's track record is better but Gerrard is a true leader who can inspire england far better than Terry can.
Posted 11:00 19th March 2008
Josh Healey (Blackburn Rovers fan) says...
Terry should stay as captain, he has the passion and love for his club and country and shows he deeply cares about both and that he will do anything to stop a goal. As for gerrard his record as england captain is poor i think he's only won 1 or 2 games as captain, to me that doesnt show leadership or the drive to captain your country unlike terry.
Posted 10:56 19th March 2008
Chris Snook (Chelsea fan) says...
JT only England captain for me! Gerrard doesnt have the same amount as passion to do it, maybe for Liverpool but no england.
Posted 10:54 19th March 2008
Gerry Ani (Chelsea fan) says...
As a Chelsea fan, sure i want JT to remain the England captain. but i can tell you for less than nothing, England can have the most Mr motivator in the whole world but it won't improve their football. it doesn't matter who is the captain of this Country, if our players still remain skilless and the managers don't encourage players to showcase their skills then we are going nowhere. Nani showed a little of skills the other day, and he critised for showbouting. This country has be left behind in football but we don't know it yet.
Posted 10:23 19th March 2008
Tom Jay (Manchester City fan) says...
This is a very tough one for me. First we have JT who without a shadow of doubt is a great, great leader. The only problem i have with him is his off the field antic's (which im pretty sure im safe in saying that capello would have as well). Then we have Stevie G who more often than not seems to single handedly lift if not carry liverpool to do things that in my opinion should be beyond their capabilities. But the big thing that still hurts me to this day and will probably hurt even more come the summer, is on the night when England needed him most he not only went missing he bottled it. I know he wasn't alone but for a player of his standing and ability i was totally disgusted!!! So the question is, when the chips are down is he the man to look to for inspiration? (for England of of course)
Posted 09:58 19th March 2008
Dan Clare (Manchester United fan) says...
I agree with all of the above that Gerrard should be captain but he wont be Capello will give it to Terry
Posted 09:24 19th March 2008
Dane Couper (Chelsea fan) says...
Terry for captain. He's more passionate, as you can tell by berating officials, Gerrard barely raises a wimper. Terry is also more consistent than Gerrard in my opinion. Definitly has to be Terry for Captain
Posted 09:08 19th March 2008
Johnny Wright (Manchester United fan) says...
There has been alot of talk about the best captain to lead England. Coming from a Utd fan, i do think Stevie G is the man for the role, he influences the team he playes in, gives him the drive to do better and i must admit he is a great captain, proberly the best on the day since Roy Keane at Utd. Proberly the best thing about him is that he is there when you need him most, olympiacos, ac milan, west ham? ringing any bells. Come on Capello, is a no brainer.
Posted 09:03 19th March 2008
Payam Mehdipour (Liverpool fan) says...
Wake up Grant, Terry is world class, but Gerrard is UNBELIEVABLE. He is just the captain England needs. I´m pretty sure the England BOSS knows what is best thing for England. I have to say that Gerrard is the best thing England has missed for a long time.
Posted 09:02 19th March 2008
Ben Joinson (Arsenal fan) says...
I don't believe Terry should be England captain - ok he's a world class defender and I couldn't comment on his motavational skills in the dressing room but seeing an England captain squaring up to a ref because he feels the ref has made a wrong decision really grinds my gears. What sort of image is that showing to kids?? Plus his off the field antics just push him further down the pecking order. Grant talks about loyalty to his club - well if I was on Terry's wages I'd probably be loyal as well...! If giving Gerrard the arm-band gives him that extra "umph" to recreate his club form for his country then I'm all for him, yet again he's helped carry Liverpool this season. The arrival of Torres has lifted the weight off his shoulders and I've noticed a "less-pressured" Stevie, enjoying his football again.
Posted 08:19 19th March 2008
Caswell Mkhonto (Arsenal fan) says...
I think every coach will push his own player to be the Captain. This decision should be left alone to the England Manager(Capello). Let him decide. What if Fergusen all of a sudden push Rio to be the captain, so will be Banitez push Gerrard, and O'neil push Barry. England team coaches must learn not to intefere with the National team Manager. The decision lies with Capello and his technical team, not Avram. He must concentrate on Chelsea. And I do not agree that should JT be on the team against Croatia, England would have qualified, thats underminding the squad that played on that fateful night. England is not a one man country, JT wouldnt had made difference. He wouldn't have made Scott Carsen save the blunders he made, nor score 3 goals for England. I am an Arsenal supporter, but i think Stevey G would be a good captain for England.
Posted 08:05 19th March 2008
David Hopkin (Arsenal fan) says...
One of his best seasons Mr Grant, wake up please. In the first two seasons he was immense under the guidance and also the seson before that. Over the last 18months he has not be able to achieve those high standards he previously set but regardless he is still a v.good player on his day and has undoubted leaderaship qualities. For me Englands new Captain should be Stevie G as over the last 5 yrs Englands main problems have been trying to break down stubborn defences, where Stevie G's influence as captain would be more beneficial due to his position. Although Terry would be a good captain and with him and Rio at the back we are secure within this department and I believe neither is positioned to provide the tonic that england truly needs.
Posted 08:00 19th March 2008
Add Comment*
All fields are required