Morning:
5°c
Fabio Capello's dilemma over what to do about John Terry deepened today as it emerged that three senior players would be unwilling to take the job should the skipper be sacked.
Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard and Wayne Rooney have all expressed privately that they would be uncomfortable assuming the captaincy of their country if England's coach Capello decides he wants a change of leadership after the weekend reports concerning Terry's private life.
The Chelsea defender has come under fire from many quarters following the revelations he had an affair with Vanessa Perroncel, the ex-girlfriend of England team-mate Wayne Bridge.
The 29-year-old was considering stepping down but it is believed he is now looking to stay after receiving messages of support from some of his closest friends in the dressing room.
Terry has already held talks with England general manager Franco Baldini about the situation and will discover his fate when he comes face-to-face with Capello on Friday.
Terry has been given cause for optimism after it was confirmed by the Football Association that Capello will base his decision on footballing grounds alone.
Capello, who has spoken to FA chairman Lord Triesman and chief executive Ian Watmore, appears to have a lack of options should he wish to hand the armband to someone else. Gerrard looks the best option but he may take some convincing.
Capello said: “I know everything. I can't say anything at the moment but I will be back in London on Thursday.”
The Italian is under pressure to make a swift decision with the draw for the qualifying stages of the next European Championships taking place on Sunday and England's next friendly against Egypt only four weeks away.
Bridge will consider quitting international football if Terry remains in charge but he is struggling to secure a place regardless.
The left-back has not impressed at Manchester City and has been injured for two months.
Reader views (9)
Its nobodys business who some dudes ex-girlfriend screws. Are we to believe that our ex's don't ever have sex again. And if they did would'nt it be with someone they know. Therefore someone we know too. Get over it. Dont you guys have any real problems?
- James, Texas USA, 03/02/2010 20:06
Report abuse
Everyone is trying to make most of the issue that's all. People are acting as though John Terry has sold his country for some cash. Also did Wayne Bridge give them an exclusive that he wont be playing in the team if Terry is? John Terry has personal issues and should be left personal. When Bridge itself has told that this is a very private issue why are these people continuing I do not know. Its between two families who are also friends. They will resolve it in their own way. Let them be and start concentrating on football here. Now everyone else is a saint isn't it?
- Sandman, Bangalore, India, 03/02/2010 08:39
Report abuse
This is payback time for Terry and its just as wrong, if you ask me the media should't be able to pick the England team's Captain. Of course I appreciate Terry did the dirty...for gods' sake he's a fooballer after all, but don't tell me the News of the World and the rest of you media guys gave any thought to the hurt this story would have caused his wife and family. No this ought to be a private matter not a case of what made Georgie Best a Legend has made a fool out of John Terry...
- Murph, Kent, 03/02/2010 00:10
Report abuse
No problem then, make Wayne Bridge captain!
- Colin Brightwell, Woking UK, 02/02/2010 20:52
Report abuse
John terry,His mother,His father what a family, dont just take away the England captains job, Kick him out the England team! Its not all about John terry ,its also about his wife and children and every one else he has destroyed along the way.....AGAIN
- J.M, dartford kent, 02/02/2010 19:08
Report abuse
it is good that he has the support of team mates. he must give up being captain as he will drag the focus away from football, as captain he is news as a player we will forget what happend in few weeks.
- Vural Kugu, london, 02/02/2010 18:20
Report abuse
All three also have an image problem, if a man with a good character is wanted for the captaincy someone different will have to be found. Their history has been reported yet again due to the JT scandal,bet that pleases all it affects. It seems JT is not expected to be the one to suffer, but everyone else can !
- K.D., Kent, 02/02/2010 16:55
Report abuse
I think the fa, is right to let mr Capello have the final say. But after all Terry should apologise and accept whatever purnishment given to him.
- Chibuike Dominic, Lagos, Nigeria, 02/02/2010 15:57
Report abuse
How strange. We were told by this newspaper yesterday that Frank Lampard was amongst those who had telephoned Wayne Bridge to offer his support. Are we to assume he is facing both ways on this? If they have said this privately, how does the Standard know about it? More misinformation.
- Val Daniels, Mijas Costa, Spain, 02/02/2010 15:56
Report abuse
