Terry - We'll win fans back

Skipper issues England rallying call

Last updated: 5th September 2008

John Terry England training

Terry: Wants fans back on side

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England captain John Terry has issued a rallying call ahead of Saturday's World Cup qualifier against Andorra, vowing to win back the support of the country.

Although Andorra are currently ranked 186th in the world, Terry is well aware they held Steve McClaren's side until half-time when they last met.

Supporters famously turned on McClaren and the mood remained hostile when England failed to qualify for Euro 2008 - but Terry feels it is a fresh start under Fabio Capello.

The Chelsea defender is looking for a morale-boosting performance to lift spirits ahead of the clash against Croatia in Zagreb on Wednesday that could define their campaign to reach the 2010 World Cup.

"It's about the result for me, I'll take three points, whether it is 2-0, 3-0," Terry said.

"Maybe the fans don't want to hear that. Hopefully it will be more than that, we are not going out there to win 1-0 or 2-0 that's for sure.

"It's all about three points and moving forward into the Croatia game."

Terry accepts that is time for England to deliver after five friendlies under Capello.

"We've had the friendlies before, it all starts now," he said. "Performances and results are judged on this game and the matches after that.

"We've had a lot of preparation, different players, tactics and styles of play. It's now we're going to be judged.

"We want to get the ball rolling and go again. I've spoken before about the disappointment of not reaching the Euros and this is a fresh start.

"Not qualifying is still burning in a lot of the players. We all have another chance to come into the campaign and change things."

Fan support

Terry has urged fans to get behind England at the Olympic Stadium at Montjuic.

He added: "As players we understand and take the responsibility of the last two years of disappointments. We understand the fans' frustration.

"After 20 minutes last time the fans did not get their goal and they went against us. Stick with us, it's a new campaign, it's a fresh start and we go again. We can't dwell on the past. We have to move forward and move forward together.

"We need the fans' support, we realise they pay an awful lot of money for their tickets and travel - and it's about time we put on a performance and got the results for the fans and the whole nation."

Captain role

As well as Capello's first competitive match, it is Terry's first qualifier since being reinstated as skipper - and he is determined to bring success to England.

"For me it means the world to be England captain," he said. "I know in my lifetime I have a very good opportunity to make England successful, along with the players around me and the manager.

"That is something I'm going to take with both hands and try to make England successful again."