Terry hails defenders' union
John Terry has revealed the close bond between England’s posse of centre-backs as Rio Ferdinand prepares to step back into the firing line for Wednesday’s final World Cup qualifier with Poland at Old Trafford.
The battle for a place in Sven-Goran Eriksson’s first XI is at its most intense at the heart of the defence with Terry, Ferdinand, Sol Campbell plus the versatile duo of Jamie Carragher and Ledley King all genuine contenders.
It was Manchester United star Ferdinand who was axed for Saturday’s qualifier with Austria on his home ground after below-par displays for club and country this season.
Campbell’s hamstring injury means Ferdinand is likely to be be brought back into the side against the Poles when England will look for the victory which will enable them to top the group.
But, while the competition is fierce, Terry insisted there was no ill feeling but instead an ‘all for one, one for all’ mentality among the defensive quintet in wanting whoever is chosen to help England to World Cup glory.
Terry said: “We all want to play – but we all get on well. Before the Austrian game all the other lads who were not playing made a point of coming up to us and wishing us all the best and good luck.
“At the end of the day we are a team no matter who is playing. It was the same for me against Wales. I was out injured and I went around and wished everyone good luck and all the lads do the same.
“Myself and Rio get on really well. I’ve played quite a few games with Rio. We get on fine on and off the pitch.
“If it was me who had been left out, I would have been disappointed and Rio was exactly the same. I think the boss has come out and said he wants his players to be disappointed.
“But Rio got his chance after Sol got injured and, with him coming on and doing well, it looks like he is going to be in again on Wednesday.”
Asked about his own display against Austria, the Chelsea skipper added: “I was pleased with my performance. It meant an awful lot to me to get the nod to be playing from Sven. There is nothing better than to be playing for your country.
“To get cosen in front of so many great centre-halves was good for me, not only Rio but also Ledley King and Jamie Carragher as well. We’ve got so many good players. We are fortunate.”
Terry is aware England have plenty of work to do in the next eight months if they are to become genuine contenders to win the World Cup.
He said: “There is still a lot of work to get this team to where it needs to be. There is still a long way to go for us. We weren’t great on Saturday but did enough to win the game and we are in the finals now.
“We could have been 3-0 up at half-time but it was a game where things didn’t click. The lads were pumped and wanted to show and prove to everyone that we are a great side but sometimes it just doesn’t happen.
“What needs to click? I am not too sure. We have got a good few months ahead of us to prepare and to prepare right for the World Cup.”
