Bring back John Terry

Bring back John Terry

They have reached the promised land that is Brazil.

But Mark Wright, a member of England's 1990 World Cup team, believes the Three Lions must try to convince John Terry, one of their most influential players, to return to the international fold.

It will be a big step for England manager Roy Hodgson to take, and certainly controversial, as Terry is a man who polarises opinions.

The Chelsea captain retired from international football in September last year, after he was accused of racially abusing Anton Ferdinand during an English Premier League match.

Although he was cleared in court, the Football Association's decision to pursue charges against him prompted him to hang up his England boots.

RESURGENCE

But according to Wright, the former Three Lions captain remains one of the best central defenders in the country and is enjoying a resurgence in form since Jose Mourinho returned to Stamford Bridge this season.

The 32-year-old was one of the team's best players at last year's European Championship in Poland and Ukraine, where they bowed out to Italy on penalties in the quarter-finals.

"Maybe it's time to talk to John Terry about playing for England again," said Wright, who was in Singapore for the IG Masters Football Sixes tournament last month.

"He has been playing well, he's a captain and a leader.

"He's a good option at the back.

"He is that man, if you need someone with an authoritative voice.

"Don't get me wrong. Phil Jagielka and Gary Cahill are looking like a pair, and they have developed an understanding.

"They aren't fragile, they haven't conceded many goals.

"But if England lose either one of them, then they've got a problem.

"The alternatives are Chris Smalling and Phil Jones, but they have been mostly filling in as fullbacks for their club.

"We're talking about (Terry) a very influential player on the field. I like him as a player.

"I'm not sure if he wants to come back to play for England but this is something for Hodgson to consider."

In England's road to the 2014 World Cup, Terry took part in only the opening qualifying game - a 5-0 victory over Moldova.

Earlier this year, sources close to the defender said that he will consider a return in the event of an England injury crisis.

However, Hodgson will face opposition in many quarters should he take up Wright's suggestion.

STRIPPED

Three years ago, Terry, capped 78 times, was stripped of the England captaincy following allegations that he had an affair with then England teammate Wayne Bridge's ex-girlfriend.

Although he was later restored as the skipper, the FA again removed his armband pending the outcome of his court case for last year's racial abuse incident.

Said Wright: "Terry is a strong character of influence.

"For a number of years, he has been a very influential captain, he wins things and people respect him.

"As a footballer, whoever the manager picks for the team, you must get on with it."


Get The New Paper for more stories.

This website is best viewed using the latest versions of web browsers.