Capello hails captain Terry

Although Terry had been doing the job, there were other candidates for the position such as Rio Ferdinand and Steven Gerrard. But after a four-match round of auditions, Capello confirmed the 28-year-old had kept the captain's armband.

"The captain sets an example," said Capello.

Capello has never had cause to regret the move. And, as Terry stabbed home the goal which maintained England's 100% record in Group Six and allowed their fans, if not the players, to start making plans for South Africa 2010 on Wednesday night, the Italian knew he had got it right.

Capello added: "At every moment he has to drive the team.

"He is the one who is really important in the dressing room and also during the game. He must have a big personality and a strong character."

As Capello feels well capable of handling all the peripheral issues surrounding his team, it turned out he wanted a tub-thumper in the Terry Butcher mould.

And just because Terry continually throws his battered and bruised body into challenges most footballers prefer to avoid, it should not disguise a rare ability in the more finer aspects of his art.

"I suppose you could say John is a very English defender," said Capello.

"But, like Rio, for a centre-back he is very good technically as well. He is strong with the head and in the tackle. But he is also very good with the ball at his feet."