Israel Saria
Capello revealed at a Wembley media briefing that the Chelsea skipper will replace Rio Ferdinand as skipper – starting with next Saturday’s Euro 2012 qualifier with Wales in Cardiff.
But he has been unable to communicate the news personally to Ferdinand with Capello claiming the Manchester United defender “preferred not to meet me” at Old Trafford on Wednesday.
Terry was initially appointed England skipper by Steve McClaren in August 2006 and then Capello reinstated him in August 2008 after initially experimenting with different players in the role.
He stripped Terry of the honour 13 months ago after an alleged affair with a former girlfriend of England team-mate Wayne Bridge. But Capello has decided Terry has served a sufficient punishment after describing him as the “biggest personality” in the England dressing room and a “leader”.
The way the armband was passed around from player to player after Frank Lampard, captain for last month’s friendly in Denmark, was substituted was also a factor for Capello.
He said: “I decided John Terry would be the captain for this game (against Wales) because, after the game in Copenhagen, the way the armband was moved around was upsetting for him.
“Also, I said my decision would be the day before the (Wales) game because I wanted to speak with the players, I wanted to speak with John Terry.
“I also knew the England doctors spoke with the doctors of Manchester United and Liverpool and I knew that Rio and Steven Gerrard were injured.
“But I have decided that John Terry, after one year of punishment, will again be the permanent captain. I think one year’s punishment is enough. He was my first choice when I (initially) decided on the permanent captain.”
PA Sport
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