Terry - World Cup up for grabs

England skipper believes Capello's men are contenders

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 22nd December 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Terry - World Cup up for grabs

Terry: Eyes on the prize

Related links

Teams

Players

Also see

John Terry believes England are one of 'seven or eight teams' capable of tasting World Cup glory.

The Three Lions will head to South Africa next summer among the favourites to take the crown, having blazed a trail through their qualification campaign.

Fabio Capello has helped to oversee a remarkable reversal in fortunes for a side who failed to make Euro 2008 under former boss Steve McClaren.

Expectations are now as high as ever, with the England squad under immense pressure to perform on world football's biggest stage.

National skipper Terry is keen to curb the sense of euphoria already sweeping the country, insisting nothing can be taken for granted, but the Chelsea man admits England will be strong contenders to land the title.

"I'm not going to stand here and say, 'We are going to win the World Cup'," he said at Monday's World Player of the Year awards.

"We're not going carried away. We have a chance, as long as we keep people fit and strong, and we go out there with the right mentality.

"Everyone can see the potential that we have, but it's the same with Portugal and other teams; Brazil, Argentina and Spain are very strong.

"It's going to be interesting. One of seven or eight teams can go on and win it.

"Everyone's getting carried away saying it's an easy group but the USA is a very tough game and we have to be on our toes."

As well as the United States, England will face Algeria and Slovenia in Group C next summer.