England national team controversy

England National squad divided?

John Terry, who plays his club soccer for Chelsea FC, has been reestablished as the Captain for the England national team.

England Captain John Terry
and manager Fabio Capello

Fabio Capello replaced former Captain and Manchester United star, Rio Ferdinand with Terry.  "I'm not going to be everybody's cup of tea, but it is the decision the manager has taken.” – John Terry

This has created some serious controversy because some don’t believe Terry is a suitable captain for the national team.

Just over a year ago, Terry was removed as captain of the national squad. This happened amid allegations he cheated on his wife with a girlfriend of one of his former teammates, Wayne Bridge.

Terry insists the guys on the team shouldn’t look at him for anything that happens off field, but rather for what he does on the field.

"It's important that you guys look at me on the pitch and see what kind of passion I play with, I think that can come across to you guys and players at grass roots." – England Captain, John Terry

Capello announced Terry’s reinstatement at a recent training session.

This is not the first off field controversy Terry has been involved in.

There was allegation he organized a secret tour of Chelsea’s training ground in exchange for £10,000.

John Terry speaks at a press conference
held to announce his captaincy
following a national team training session

Regardless of a few rough spots Terry is the captain and one of the best center backs in the game.

"I know what is asked of me on and off the pitch. Maybe the manager has looked into that as well. I have kept my head down on and off the pith and concentrated on playing well for club and country and have done that for the last year.” – John Terry

Terry held a press conference to address the media and some unlikely visitors.

Three school children had a chance to sit front row and ask the newly appointed captain any question they like.

"You are an inspiration as a player. But what kind of role model do think you are for boys of my age?" – The school reporters asked John Terry

New captain John Terry and former
captain Rio Ferdinand training for the
English national team

Terry responded with this (click to see Terry's response)

Former captain Rio Ferdinand called Terry to “wish him well.”

Terry said they spoke for about ten minutes on the phone and Ferdinand reminded him that the most important thing was winning.

England has a game coming up on Saturday in Cardiff against Wales. The game is an important Euro 2012 qualifying game.