Blues training session could lead to shock comeback for Terry

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The skipper is desperate to lead the team out on Wednesday and his return, totally dependent on him proving his fitness today, would be a massive boost with only a point required to ensure Steve McClaren's men make it through to next summer's Euro 2008 finals.

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Back in the fold: John Terry will return to the England camp today

Chelsea team-mate Joe Cole later revealed that Terry was giving his all to be fit for the Wembley clash but the final decision is likely to be taken by Blues boss Avram Grant once the defender's knee - operated on last month - has been assessed.

Cole said: "If I know JT, then if there is the slightest chance of him being fit, he will want to play."

Saturday's extraordinary results - Israel beat Russia 2-1 and the Croatians lost 2-0 to Macedonia - mean England can now qualify as Group E winners if they win by two clear goals.

But McClaren knows that defensive steel will be required against Slaven Bilic's team, who beat England 2-0 in Zagreb earlier in the campaign, and his back line is already without suspended Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand. Even if he can't play, McClaren insisted: "I want John Terry, Wayne Rooney and Rio Ferdinand to be at Wembley for the game, to be with us in the dressing-room."

McClaren also called for the fans to unite in their support of his team against Croatia.

Sections of the Wembley crowd have singled out Frank Lampard for criticism this season, and McClaren is desperate to avoid any more booing.

He added: "The fans can be our 12th man. We want the atmosphere to be intimidating and one that boosts these England players.

"The key thing is that everybody has to be behind this team - the fans, the media, everyone - because everyone wants qualification."