TERRY'S ALL GOLD

John Terry's tour de force in Chelsea's marvellous away win at Arsenal on Tuesday night should go a long way to booking his place in Sven Goran Eriksson's starting line-up against France in Euro 2004.

The Blues defender was outstanding for Claudio Ranieri's men as the visitors clinched a place in the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League with a resilient display against the faltering Gunners.

Terry showed tremendous bravery when throwing himself into challenges and was dominant in the air as he showed the sort of spirit that suggested he was refusing to pass up the opportunity of clinching an historic victory.

There were other heroes for The Blues at Highbury - Frank Lampard was excellent in midfield and matchwinner Wayne Bridge kept a cool head to beat Jens Lehmann to make it 2-1.

The bonus for Eriksson is that pair are also English and certain to be in the squad for Portugal, barring any injury setbacks.

Of course, Arsenal's Sol Campbell is assured of a starting slot in the finals but, with Rio Ferdinand suspended, there has been plenty of debate about who should partner the former Tottenham skipper.

Jonathan Woodgate has strong claims, although you suspect Eriksson still has nagging doubts concerning the Newcastle United man's fitness. Some characteristcally foot-sure performances of late have ensured the former Leeds stopper has a great chance of remaining in the England coach's plans.

Indeed, he played well in the first 45 minutes of the defeat in Sweden but, while I think a squad place is a certainty for a fit Woodgate, Terry should get the nod, in my view.

Gareth Southgate is a reliable and experienced figure and everybody is anxiously awaiting news on the injury scare he suffered at Middlesbrough's training ground this week.

Tottenham duo Ledley King and Anthony Gardner are also in the frame but I would not consider starting with one of the Spurs men as I feel they are a little too raw for such a grand occasion.

Another contender staking a late claim is Manchester United's Wes Brown, although it may be too late for the Red Devil to force himself into the final 23.

It is amazing how quickly opinions in the game can change. The stylish defender was lampooned on his comeback from a lengthy injury and quickly made the scapegoat for United's ills in Ferdinand's absence.

I heard one television pundit refer to Brown as 'Manchester United's Titus Bramble' before the first showdown with Arsenal at Highbury. Two commanding performances against the Premiership leaders later and the same player is being forwarded for a key role in his country's Euro 2004 campaign.

Things can change very quickly in football, as Arsenal have found in the past few days. But, in my mind, Terry has done enough to earn a place in Eriksson's team when the summer showpiece event kicks off in June.

What do you think? Who will partner Campbell? Terry, Woodgate, Southgate, King, Gardner, Brown? Let us have your views.