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Fabio gets backing to recall Terry for friendlies

Comment: 0 November 8th, 2011 by: admin

JOHN Terry earned the backing of Fabio Capello and the Football Association so it’s going to be a slightly tougher England side girding up for their coming friendlies.

But that’s just at least for the moment as the veteran playmaker is still being investigated for his alleged racist remarks against Queens Park Rangers defender Anton Ferdinand in their Premier League match recently.

Terry has been selected to play for the Three Lions’ friendlies against Spain and Sweden. England host the Spaniards, the reigning world and European champions on Saturday at Wembley before facing the Swedes, also at the iconic venue, on Tuesday.

Capello has earlier indicated that the 30-year-old Terry could only be featured over a period of two games as he tries to look at other players ahead of next summer’s European Championships.

Club England managing director Adrian Bevington told Sky Sports News that there was no disagreement between Capello and the FA over the selection Terry.

“We can’t comment on specific issues, but what we can say is that these are allegations and therefore Fabio was perfectly entitled (to pick Terry) and we agree with this,’’ said Bevington. “Fabio picked Terry and we support that decision.’’

It is widely perceived that Terry was recalled because there are concerns that Phil Jagielka will quit from the Three Lions roster because of a toe injury.

Capello has described Jagielka as “the driver’’ of his back four when Terry is out. With the injury, discovered by Capello after Spain named a star-studded lineup, Jagielka is expected to be sent back to Everton.

If Terry is not picked until next Tuesday’s friendly against Sweden, the untried tandem of Gary Cahill and Joleon Lescott could face a potent partnership of David Villa and Fernando Torres.

Phil Jones could be used for the spot but Capello is said to be keener on placing him at central midfield.

An earlier decision to leave out Wayne Rooney and the absence of other major players like Steven Gerrard, Jack Wilshere, Ashley Yong and Rio Ferdinand has weakened England considerably and a Terryless-less side could make them more vulnerable.

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