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Fabio – Terry still important
England head coach Fabio Capello has confirmed John Terry will continue to be an important player despite being stripped of the captaincy.
The Chelsea ace was removed as England captain last week in a meeting with Capello following a string of allegations regarding his private life.
There had been lingering doubts whether the 29-year-old would still be part of Capello’s squad, something he quickly moved to address following the Euro 2012 qualifying draw.
After being paired with Wales, Switzerland, Bulgaria and Montenegro in Group G the Italian tactician confirmed Terry was still an important player ahead of this summer’s World Cup finals.
Draw the line
Capello now wants to draw the line under the issue ahead of talks with new captain Rio Ferdinand next month.
“This is now over,” explained Capello. “It is finished. It is time to move on.
“John Terry is still an important player for England. He is still one of the most important players for England.”
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Harry maintains King belief
Harry Redknapp has reiterated his belief that Ledley King should be considered for the England World Cup squad.
Fabio Capello has already stated he only wants players who are fully fit for his squad in South Africa.
But King’s long-term knee problems means he cannot train and has to rest between games.
However, Redknapp still feels that King could be a valuable member of Capello’s squad.
Desperate
“He’s desperate to play for England, he’d love to go to the World Cup. I think he could go – if you need him, he’s there,” said Redknapp.
“If you lose John Terry or you lose Rio Ferdinand, you know Ledley’s going to come in and do a job.
“He’d be available, you’re not going to weaken your team. If you’re in a semi-final and you have a suspension you can bring him in, he’s a fantastic player.
“Ledley is special, that’s why when he’s fit I play him. He won’t play on Wednesday, his knee won’t have settled down by then – next week, yes.
“I don’t see him until Fridays, he works with physios. He doesn’t train yet he is still good enough for England.”
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Carrick – Rio will be great
Manchester United ace Michael Carrick has backed Rio Ferdinand to be a huge success as England captain.
Ferdinand has inherited the Three Lions armband from John Terry after he was stripped of the captaincy by Fabio Capello last week.
The Man United skipper was vice-captain under Terry, and Capello has stuck by him to take charge just four months before the World Cup finals.
And Carrick has full belief that Ferdinand will prove a success.
“Rio’s a terrific leader and a terrific captain. He’s a world-class player,” Carrick told The Sun.
“He’s done it in the Champions League final and won it, so it won’t faze him in that respect.
“Rio has the respect of the players and that’s an important thing so I’m sure he’ll be successful.
“Once you’re on the pitch you’ve all got to lead in some way so I don’t think it will affect things too much.”
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Fitness battle for Milan duo
AC Milan boss Leonardo is in the dark over whether Alessandro Nesta or Alexandre Pato will be fit for the first leg of their blockbuster UEFA Champions League clash with Manchester United.
The Rossoneri are currently languishing behind local rivals Inter in the standings for the scudetto and were knocked out of the Coppa Italia last month meaning an eighth European crown is now their number one target.
But the San Siro outfit are sweating on the fitness of two of their key men ahead of the Red Devils' visit to Milan next Tuesday.
Experienced defender Nesta has been struggling with a hamstring strain, while star striker Pato has an ongoing muscle complaint which is believed to have stemmed from a problem with his dentures.
And Leonardo has admitted he his growing increasingly concerned over whether his first-team performers will be available in time.
"They're dragging on a little too much," the Milan boss told Football Italia. "We will evaluate them over the next few days.
"First they have to train with continuity and then we'll understand what condition they are in. It's not only a clinical question, but a technical one as well.
On whether the important duo will be fit in time for the San Siro clash the Brazilian added: "I don't know if I will have them available on Friday against Udinese or the following Tuesday against Manchester United.
"I can only hope to get them back before then. And study the alternatives."
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