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Troubled Terry set to lose England captaincy

Comment: 0 February 3rd, 2012 by: admin

JOHN Terry will remain with the England national squad but he won’t be wearing the captain’s armband anymore.

The Football Association are expected to act in that direction as pressure mounts against the veteran defender who is facing trial for his racist behaviour.

After holding emergency talks on Thursday, the 14-strong FA board are expected to relieve Terry of the post.

After the meeting, there was mounting support among the FA executives for the compromise solution of Terry keeping his slot with the Three Lions but no longer wearing the skipper’s armband.

Terry enjoys the support of England manager Fabio Capello, currently abroad, who is reportedly set to announce the latter’s new role for the team on Friday as they gird for the Euro 2012.

The centre half has been charged with racially abusing Queens Park Rangers’ Anton Ferdinand. The related trial was adjourned this week until July 9 or eight days after the final of the European championships.

Terry trained with the Blues on Friday but his fitness is questionable for Sunday’s crucial Premier League clash with holders Manchester United at Stamford Bridge. He did not play in their 1-1 draw at Swansea due to a knee injury that required more rest.

The FA, who have a strong anti-racism agenda, insinuated that they cannot join a tournament with a player facing trial related to racism. Terry has previously denied the charge.

It would be the second time Terry is set to lose the captaincy. In 2010, Capello came to his rescue and restored him to the role after his alleged affair with the former girlfriend of England teammate Wayne Bridge.

FA Chairman David Bernstein attended the Premier League chairmen’s meeting in London on Wednesday along with FA general secretary Alex Home, and among those discussed was the issue on the Terry-Ferdinand case.

The FA want the legal process to take its course, hoping it would be over before England open their campaign in the Euro 2012 against France in Ukraine on June 11.

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