Defiant John Terry is refusing to give up England captaincy

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The Chelsea defender's trial for allegedly racially abusing Queens Park Rangers defender Anton Ferdinand will not be heard until July 9 - eight days after the Euro 2012 Final.

The Football Association are under huge pressure to act now and replace Terry as captain.

The governing body refused to comment on the issue today but insist there is no timescale for a decision to be made even though England face
Holland at Wembley on February 29.

Terry, whose lawyers entered a not guilty plea to the racially aggravated public order offence yesterday, is understood to be unwilling to step down, insisting he has done nothing wrong.

However, Tory MP Damian Collins, a Culture, Media and Sport select committee member, joined the clamour for Terry to be axed as skipper for the second time in his international career.

"I'd like to see Terry stand aside," said Collins. "It is ridiculous this is not going to court until July, so it is going to be hanging in the air all through the championships, and I would urge the court authorities to bring it forward."

Executive director of European football's anti-discrimination body Football Against Racism in Europe, Piara Powar, said: "The seriousness of the allegations means that he cannot lead the nation. Removing the captaincy does not prejudice the case."

Terry did not have to shake Ferdinand's hand prior to last weekend's FA Cup clash between Rangers and Chelsea after the FA agreed the pre-match
ceremony could be abandoned.

There are fears of a similar problem arising this weekend, when Ferdinand's brother, Rio, lines up against Chelsea for Manchester United.

However, Terry could miss the match with the knee injury that kept him out of Tuesday's 1-1 draw at Swansea.

He was unable to train yesterday, either, but manager Andre Villas-Boas will want him back after losing Ashley Cole to suspension following his sending off in Wales.

New signing Gary Cahill is likely to make his debut if Terry is ruled out.