Terry hopes to get fans onside

England skipper keen to impress

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 9th September 2008

John Terry England captain

Terry: Leader of Three Lions

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John Terry hopes the England team can begin to give their loyal supporters something to shout about.

The Three Lions failed to qualify for Euro 2008 and began their 2010 World Cup campaign with a less than inspiring 2-0 win against Andorra on Saturday

Those who follow Fabio Capello's men all over the world are beginning to lose patience with a star-studded side which continues to under perform and have let their feelings known from the sidelines.

National skipper Terry accepts performances have not been good enough of late, but is hoping the side can begin to make amends over the course of the current qualification campaign.

Improve

"We've got three points on the board," he said.

"Whether we win 2-0, 3-0 or 4-0, we understand the fans have come a long way to see us play and we've underachieved and we need to improve as a team.

"That's something we're looking to do in this campaign but, at the same time, if we improve our results then we'll qualify and hopefully that will get the fans back on side."

Individuals

Next up for England is a tricky trip to Croatia on Wednesday to face a side who secured victories home and away against the Three Lions en route to this summer's European Championship.

Terry expects a tough contest to be awaiting his troops in Zagreb, but sees no reason why England cannot emerge with a positive result.

"I think their home record speaks for itself and they're a great side," he said.

"They play some great football, with some great individual players and we obviously have to respect that, which we will do going into the game, but at the same time we're coming here off the back of a win and we've moved forward from a year ago and we're hopefully in better shape."

Lifted

England could be boosted by the return of Manchester United ace Rio Ferdinand in midweek, with Terry hailing the merits of his defensive partner.

"For the last couple of years he's been the best centre-half in the world so it will be a massive boost to have him back," he said.

"The manger's got a tough decision to make, but if Rio's fit it's a boost for the whole squad."

Excitement

Terry also believes a combination of youth and experience should be included in Capello's side on Wednesday.

"I think a bit of both," he said.

"Young Theo (Walcott) the other night looked very sharp and quick, caused a few problems.

"But at the same time we need a few old heads on the pitch to assess the game. With that experience and the excitement of the young players it could be a good mix."