Terry pays for making the wrong headlines

JOHN TERRY has been sensationally sacked as England captain.

Fabio Capello delivered the news at a brief meeting inside Wembley Stadium yesterday after summoning the 29-year-old to a meeting to discuss the lurid headlines of the past week.

In confirming the decision, and installing Rio Ferdinand as replacement, Capello cited “what is best for all the England squad”, a clear reference to Terry’s one-time Chelsea team-mate Wayne Bridge, who has been left shattered by allegations of an affair between his former friend and ex-girlfriend Vanessa Perroncel.

It is believed Bridge was contacted by a senior figure within the England camp and informed of the decision. Although Terry is likely to be considered for England’s friendly against Egypt on March 3, Capello hopes the action he has taken is enough to persuade Bridge to remain within the Three Lions set-up and maintain the harmony which has been built up so much since the Italian took over a shell-shocked squad following their failure to reach Euro 2008.

Terry is already playing his part, insisting he will “continue to give everything for England”.

For Capello that will mean keeping his name off the front pages, although there are fears more negative headlines are looming for the player on Sunday, by which time England’s coach will be in Warsaw for the Euro 2012 qualifying draw.

Although the FA continually stressed this week that Capello would base his verdict purely on football issues, that was clearly impossible given the nature of Terry’s behaviour.

As someone who has had the benefit of a stable family life, Capello was presumably as bemused by Terry’s antics as he was by the mass of camera crews awaiting his arrival at Heathrow Airport on Thursday.

And as Terry was at Wembley for only 13 minutes, it appears Capello’s mind was already made up.

All that was required was the personal touch, Capello preferring to swing the axe right in front of the man he chose as his on-field leader in August 2008.

“As a captain with the team, John Terry has displayed extremely positive behaviour,” said Capello.

“However, I have to take into account other considerations and what is best for all of the England squad. After much thought I have made the decision that it will be best for me to take the captaincy away from John Terry.

“What is best for all of the England team has inspired my choice and John Terry was notified first.”

Terry is set to try and rectify matters by engaging in peace talks with wife Toni after Chelsea’s clash with Arsenal tomorrow. However, he knows that even if England end up winning the World Cup in Johannesburg on July 11, he will not follow Bobby Moore into immortality by lifting the trophy.

Instead, that distinction will fall to Ferdinand, following confirmation Capello intends merely to shunt the Manchester United defender and Steven Gerrard up the ladder to compensate for Terry’s swift demotion.

“When I chose John Terry as captain, I also selected a vice-captain and also named a third choice,” said Capello. “There is no reason to change this decision.”

As Ferdinand, who is no stranger to controversy himself after serving an eight-month ban in 2004 for missing a drugs test, has featured in only four of England’s last 12 internationals, the 31-year-old’s fitness record has to be taken on trust. Yet this is merely a side issue compared to the storm Terry has caused and the fact he will spend a lifetime knowing he lost the job he coveted above all others.