Gerrard - No Terry return

Terry: Not ready

Related links

Teams

• England

Players

• Steven Gerrard
• John Terry

Also see

• Score Centre
• Euro 2008 tables
• Bet on qualifiers

Steven Gerrard has dismissed speculation that captain John Terry will be fit to return for England in Wednesday's Euro 2008 clash with Croatia.

Terry returned to training with England on Tuesday and it was hoped that he would be fit in time for the crucial Wembley meeting with Croatia.

The defender has not featured for club or country since injuring a knee just a day before England's 2-1 qualifying defeat to Russia last month.

And Gerrard, who is set to stand in as skipper, has said that Terry will again remain on the sidelines.

Disappointment

"I've spoken to John and he is not ready for Wednesday," Gerrard told Sky Sports News.

"He is obviously disappointed not to be in the game, but he will still be there and will be a big help to all the players in the dressing room."

Meanwhile, Gerrard insists that it is time for the talking to stop and that it is 'time to deliver' in the final Euro 2008 qualifier against Croatia.

Following Israel's 2-1 victory over Russia on Saturday, England now require only one point against Croatia to book their place in next summer's finals in Austria and Switzerland.

Lifeline

Gerrard is adamant that, after months of speculation over England's European fate, it is the result on Wednesday which is the all important factor after they were handed a qualification lifeline.

"It's down to us now to finish the job off. It is all about doing the job on the field," added Gerrard.

"There has been enough said over this campaign about qualification, but now it's time to deliver on the pitch."

Gerrard also admits that the meeting with Croatia will be the biggest game in which he has captained England.

"For England, it probably is," said Gerrard when asked about the captaincy. "To walk off that pitch on Wednesday night knowing that we've done the job will be a really proud feeling for me."