Terry – It’s been a good week

John Terry claims the England team have enjoyed ‘a good week’ after putting the captaincy issue to bed.

The national armband has dominated the headlines in the build-up to a crunch Euro 2012 qualifier against Wales, with Rio Ferdinand having been stripped of the honour in the wake of his ongoing injury problems.

Chelsea skipper Terry has been returned to the role, 13 months after he was knocked off that particular perch following allegations regarding his private life.

The Blues centre-half is delighted to have made his way back to the top of the international game, rewarding the dignity with which he handled the initial snub.

He has been quick to point out that the England camp has embraced the changes, with no disconcerting voices emanating from within.

Important

That has helped to make the transition between captains as easy as possible, allowing the players to give their full attention to the issue in hand – a crucial British derby at the Millennium Stadium.

On a busy week for him and the England squad, Terry told Sky Sports News: “On a personal note I am very delighted with the manager’s decision, obviously.

“It was very important what we done on Monday when Capello informed the squad of his decision and invited feedback. That did take it away from what’s going on and we have been able to concentrate on the training field since then.

“We have had a good week, we have done some good training and everyone is fit, we haven’t picked up any injuries or niggles. We go into the game fully fit with a good week behind us.”

Asked if he felt the debate could now be laid to rest, Terry added: “I would like to think so. That is why we got Monday out of the way and drew a line underneath it.

Support

“It’s been nice for me to see the players publicly supporting me and privately as well. I have been touched by that but I don’t want it to overshadow the importance of the game. We really must win to put ourselves back on top of this group.”

Three points on Saturday would see England climb above Group G leaders Montenegro on goal difference and put them back in pole position in the race to secure qualification for next summer’s European Championship.

On the need to pick up a morale-boosting victory, Terry said: “It’s a huge derby for us. The players realise the importance of the game and the hype around it. But we are very determined to get the result. That’s a must for us coming here.

“We realise that they are bottom of the group and haven’t had the best of results, but I see them as a dangerous side with some really good young players coming through that will be there for a long time.

“Although on paper everyone is expecting us to win, as a group of players we aren’t thinking like that. We realise it’s going to be a tough game and we must be up for it.”