Cast your mind back to those few weeks last year when Terry's 'loverat' status was made public. He'd had an affair with Wayne Bridge's former girlfriend, and it would see that he'd lost the confidence of the England dressing room, obviously splitting the opinions' of his colleagues. So much so that Mr Capello decided to remove Terry of his tenure of captain and give it to his central defensive partner (for England, at least), the current captain, Rio Ferdinand.
The public in general were behind this decision, and the coming weeks proved the right course of action was taken. Terry hadn't been performing to his usual high standards. Terry was however still included in Capello's 2010 World Cup Squad, and was a starter. After all, he was England's best defender on paper, and Rio Ferdinand, the captain, was injured. The captaincy for the tournament was Steven Gerrard, Terry being overlooked for the role.
England didn't perform well in South Africa. You could blame Capello's tactics, his squad selection, injuries or....Robert Green. But not one player turned up to that tournament and did themselves justice, Steven Gerrard being the best of a bad bunch. John Terry, the man overlooked for captain, the fallen hero, the disgraced defensive leader, was simply....awful. Not only were his performances on the pitch the epitome of England's entire marred campaign in South Africa, his attempted putsch before the game against the German's embodied the entire reason why he should not be England captain. He suffers from a condition that most top footballers share; inflated ego. An exaggerated belief of importance, fed to them by coaches, agents, drunken supermodels, call girls and the (when friendly) media from the moment they are spat into the footballing limelight.
Last month in Copenhagen, the England armband was almost like pass the parcel.With no Ferdinand or Gerrard (injured, again), it was time for others to wear the armband. Lampard, Ashley Cole and then latterly Gareth Barry wore captained the Three Lions in the friendly against the Dane's, yet John Terry, who played the entire game, was overlooked every time the captaincy changed arms.
Seemingly, Terry's captaincy ship had sailed.
Fast forward to the present day. Rio Ferdinand's persistent injury problems basically rule him out from being England captain. It's unfortunate for him, but maybe not for the English national side. Ferdinand himself of course has had his fair share of off field problems.His ban for drink driving, his failed drug test and his sex tape in Ayia Napa. Many would argue that he was never 'fit' to be captain England, but now it would seem the physiotherapist's treating him would agree. So who should replace him? Surely, for the time being at least, it should be his vice-captain, Steven Gerrard, who has carried out his duties as captain for England impeccably in the past, both on and off the field.
Yet, Fabio Capello, the man with the coaching pedigree, the coach with the backbone to sort out England's failing pre-madonnas, seems to be retreating on his most decisive, and defining, moment as England manager; by reinstating John Terry as England Captain. If this is to happen, this will be regarded as a backwards step for an already embarrassed football mad nation.
The view after the dust from South Africa had settled was that England needed to look to their younger players for help, to advance the state of the national game, and to give England any chance of success. Capello was seemingly starting to do this, with Adam Johnson, Joe Hart, Andy Carroll and Jack Wilshere to name but a few being being talked about, and played, by the Italian in games post South Africa. Performances at times were encouraging, especially as they were coming in a transitional phase for England. It is this shift in ethos that contradicts the reappointment of Terry so much, the fact they are conflicting ideas of how this national game should be played. Realistically, Terry has 2-3 years of elite level football left in him, and some, including myself, would say that he isn't even capable right now. So therefore, who should Capello replace Ferdinand with?
It comes down to three candidates. Three young men who are world class, who the opposition know and fear, and who are guaranteed starters for England, with the respect of their peers and coaches. Wayne Rooney, Joe Hart and Jack Wilshere. All surely capable of doing the job, yet all for different reasons.
Let's start with the Red Devil Rooney. England's talisman, their gifted attacking force. He has the characteristics of a captain, the technical ability to rival most on the world stage and most of all the passion. Rooney is England's biggest player, and all the top sides, both at club level and internationally, know that on his day, he is magnificent. However, is he ideal captain material? Can he be trusted to d the right thing? On current examples, no. Rooney has proved time and time again that he can mix up his brilliance with moronic behaviour, something which really lets him down, and would surely let England down. He also shares Terry's self importance, a problem plaguing so many of this nation's top players. Although his talent is undeniable, his form, injury problems and temperament are questionable. Could he be a risk that pays off? Or would this decision be the inevitable failure that his past seemingly predicts.
Joe Hart, the calm, cool and collected goalkeeper overlooked as number one in South Africa, but has since cemented himself as England's premier 'keeper, even knocking Shay Given out of his number one spot at Man City in the process. Hart possesses the technical skill of the best goalkeepers in the world, and has a commanding presence on the football field. In interviews, he is better spoken and more insightful as any of his peers, modest and friendly. From a media perspective, he would represent England well and there's an extremely low risk of him embarrassing the nation with outbursts and risky behaviour a la Ferdinand and Terry. He also exemplifies the fighting spirit and determination a captain should posses, you can see this in his face when he plays. And he hates losing.
Jack Wilshere, however, is fighting spirit and determination personified. He is an engine, and has quickly brought himself to the forefront of England's footballing mind. He is now a key player at Arsenal, up there with Fabregas, Nasri and van Persie, and England need a player of his quality to battle in their midfield. His recent displays against Barcelona have shown just how capable a player he is, mixing up his brave and gritty determination with the technical ability expected of an Arsenal midfielder. He is truly growing into one of England's best players, not just for the future as a prospect, but also for right now. Could he lead England? Why not? He may be young, and he may not have too much experience, but nobody can deny his ability and attitude. He is as important a player as any, and I feel this could easily be reflected by giving him the captain's role.
People will argue that a captain isn't that important. But, England did better with Beckham. Great on the pitch, great off the pitch, an engine, a worker, a talisman and an ambassador. I believe he was only missed when he'd gone, an he has left a void that has yet to be filled. John Terry has had his chance, and he couldn't make the mark. Perhaps it is time for the old guard to retire, and the fresh new blood of English football to lead the team out in Cardiff next week. These are exciting times for English football, so let's hope Capello learns from previous mistakes and stands by his decision of thirteen months ago, and keeps Terry away from that armband. And maybe the entire squad. We can only hope.
Last month in Copenhagen, the England armband was almost like pass the parcel.With no Ferdinand or Gerrard (injured, again), it was time for others to wear the armband. Lampard, Ashley Cole and then latterly Gareth Barry wore captained the Three Lions in the friendly against the Dane's, yet John Terry, who played the entire game, was overlooked every time the captaincy changed arms.
Seemingly, Terry's captaincy ship had sailed.
Fast forward to the present day. Rio Ferdinand's persistent injury problems basically rule him out from being England captain. It's unfortunate for him, but maybe not for the English national side. Ferdinand himself of course has had his fair share of off field problems.His ban for drink driving, his failed drug test and his sex tape in Ayia Napa. Many would argue that he was never 'fit' to be captain England, but now it would seem the physiotherapist's treating him would agree. So who should replace him? Surely, for the time being at least, it should be his vice-captain, Steven Gerrard, who has carried out his duties as captain for England impeccably in the past, both on and off the field.
Yet, Fabio Capello, the man with the coaching pedigree, the coach with the backbone to sort out England's failing pre-madonnas, seems to be retreating on his most decisive, and defining, moment as England manager; by reinstating John Terry as England Captain. If this is to happen, this will be regarded as a backwards step for an already embarrassed football mad nation.
The view after the dust from South Africa had settled was that England needed to look to their younger players for help, to advance the state of the national game, and to give England any chance of success. Capello was seemingly starting to do this, with Adam Johnson, Joe Hart, Andy Carroll and Jack Wilshere to name but a few being being talked about, and played, by the Italian in games post South Africa. Performances at times were encouraging, especially as they were coming in a transitional phase for England. It is this shift in ethos that contradicts the reappointment of Terry so much, the fact they are conflicting ideas of how this national game should be played. Realistically, Terry has 2-3 years of elite level football left in him, and some, including myself, would say that he isn't even capable right now. So therefore, who should Capello replace Ferdinand with?
It comes down to three candidates. Three young men who are world class, who the opposition know and fear, and who are guaranteed starters for England, with the respect of their peers and coaches. Wayne Rooney, Joe Hart and Jack Wilshere. All surely capable of doing the job, yet all for different reasons.
Let's start with the Red Devil Rooney. England's talisman, their gifted attacking force. He has the characteristics of a captain, the technical ability to rival most on the world stage and most of all the passion. Rooney is England's biggest player, and all the top sides, both at club level and internationally, know that on his day, he is magnificent. However, is he ideal captain material? Can he be trusted to d the right thing? On current examples, no. Rooney has proved time and time again that he can mix up his brilliance with moronic behaviour, something which really lets him down, and would surely let England down. He also shares Terry's self importance, a problem plaguing so many of this nation's top players. Although his talent is undeniable, his form, injury problems and temperament are questionable. Could he be a risk that pays off? Or would this decision be the inevitable failure that his past seemingly predicts.
Joe Hart, the calm, cool and collected goalkeeper overlooked as number one in South Africa, but has since cemented himself as England's premier 'keeper, even knocking Shay Given out of his number one spot at Man City in the process. Hart possesses the technical skill of the best goalkeepers in the world, and has a commanding presence on the football field. In interviews, he is better spoken and more insightful as any of his peers, modest and friendly. From a media perspective, he would represent England well and there's an extremely low risk of him embarrassing the nation with outbursts and risky behaviour a la Ferdinand and Terry. He also exemplifies the fighting spirit and determination a captain should posses, you can see this in his face when he plays. And he hates losing.
Jack Wilshere, however, is fighting spirit and determination personified. He is an engine, and has quickly brought himself to the forefront of England's footballing mind. He is now a key player at Arsenal, up there with Fabregas, Nasri and van Persie, and England need a player of his quality to battle in their midfield. His recent displays against Barcelona have shown just how capable a player he is, mixing up his brave and gritty determination with the technical ability expected of an Arsenal midfielder. He is truly growing into one of England's best players, not just for the future as a prospect, but also for right now. Could he lead England? Why not? He may be young, and he may not have too much experience, but nobody can deny his ability and attitude. He is as important a player as any, and I feel this could easily be reflected by giving him the captain's role.
People will argue that a captain isn't that important. But, England did better with Beckham. Great on the pitch, great off the pitch, an engine, a worker, a talisman and an ambassador. I believe he was only missed when he'd gone, an he has left a void that has yet to be filled. John Terry has had his chance, and he couldn't make the mark. Perhaps it is time for the old guard to retire, and the fresh new blood of English football to lead the team out in Cardiff next week. These are exciting times for English football, so let's hope Capello learns from previous mistakes and stands by his decision of thirteen months ago, and keeps Terry away from that armband. And maybe the entire squad. We can only hope.
