Campbell to replace Terry

Portsmouth defender to make first appearance under McClaren

By Andrew Scurr   Last updated: 13th October 2007

sol campbell steve mcclaren england

Campbell: In McClaren's plans

To be able to call upon someone of that experience and that quality, with the way he's playing at his club as well, is tremendous.

McClaren on Campbell
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Steve McClaren has confirmed Sol Campbell is expected to deputise for injured England captain John Terry against Estonia.

Terry has been ruled out of the Euro 2008 qualifier at Wembley after suffering a knee injury in training and will have his fitness assessed ahead of the trip to Russia next week.

Campbell is set to return to the England line-up for the first time since McClaren took over after the 2006 World Cup and will partner Rio Ferdinand against Estonia.

McClaren is confident the Portsmouth defender, who will win his 70th cap, is a more-than capable replacement for Terry.

"The team will be confirmed this evening but I can say that Sol Campbell will be the likely one to replace John Terry," McClaren said on Sky Sports News.

"To be able to call upon someone of that experience and that quality, with the way he's playing at his club as well, is tremendous.

"He will add to the team, we're talking about leaders being important in any team and Sol Campbell certainly epitomises leadership."

Massive decision

McClaren must also decide whether to recall Frank Lampard to the starting line-up after he missed September's qualifiers through injury.

Aston Villa midfielder Gareth Barry impressed in the absence of Lampard in the wins over Israel and Russia last month.

"It's a massive decision and it's a good one to have because we've got two players, Gareth Barry and Frank Lampard, who have performed well," McClaren said.

"Frank consistently over the years and Gareth Barry over the last two games has come in a really performed well so it's one of the toughest decisions this week and will be finalised later."

McClaren insists he will be selecting the best team, rather than the best individuals, against Estonia and Russia.

Team game

He added: "It's not about individuals, it's about the team, and it's about qualification and getting back into that tournament and having a chance of winning.

"So you have to play as a team and we've epitomised that over the last four or five games and it's important we continue that.

"It's not about individuals and individuals must understand that."