Terry the man to replace Rio for England: Ranieri

Claudio Ranieri today told Sven-Goran Eriksson that John Terry is the man to replace Rio Ferdinand in the England defence at Euro 2004.

Manchester United defender Ferdinand is set to miss the rest of the season and the showpiece summer tournament in Portugal unless he succeeds in his appeal against an eight-month ban for missing a drug test.

Ferdinand’s likely absence means Eriksson is searching for a new partner for first-choice centre-back Sol Campbell – and Ranieri insists the beneficiary of the United player’s suspension should be the man starring at the heart of Chelsea’s defence.

Terry was as commanding as ever in the Blues’ 1-0 west London derby success at Fulham yesterday, producing a performance which Eriksson witnessed first hand from the Loftus Road directors’ box.

Chelsea boss Ranieri said: “I don’t want to compare John to Rio Ferdinand - but I love my players and think they’re the best.

“John deserves to play for England even without what happened to Ferdinand. He’s good in the air, good with his feet and understands when he must stop opponents.

“John’s improved a lot and is one of the best centre-backs in England. He gets strength from playing with Marcel Desailly, who is our rock. He is calm and assured and gives that to John.

“But, even without Marcel, John continues to play very well.”

Ranieri is convinced Terry will become an even better player through representing his country.

Citing the example of October’s crucial Euro 2004 qualifier in Turkey, which England drew 0-0 with Terry a tower of strength in defence, the manager explained: “When you take another step higher you gain experience and confidence from that.

“John came back a stronger player after the game in Turkey. Now he is getting experience in the Champions League – and that’s important for him, Chelsea and England.”

Fulham manager Chris Coleman also gave a ringing endorsement of Terry’s pedigree.

“He’s one of the best centre-backs in the league, without a doubt,” he said.

“If I was England manager I’d pick him – absolutely.”

Terry and his team-mates bounced back to winning ways at Fulham after successive 2-1 defeats against Bolton and Aston Villa.

Hernan Crespo bagged the 61st-minute winner – a thumping header from a Wayne Bridge cross – in a contest which could have easily finished 4-4 were it not for sparkling goalkeeping displays from Carlo Cudicini and Edwin van der Sar.

Victory keeps Chelsea in the thick of the title race alongside Arsenal and Manchester United, while defeat means Fulham have now lost twice in swift succession but are still fourth.

Coleman hopes for better luck in the January transfer window than in the summer when he failed in a string of bids for players.

“The chairman gave me money to bring players in during the summer, but we couldn’t get them,” he said.

“But we’re more attractive now. We’ve had a great start to the season, and it’s great news we’re going back to Craven Cottage.

“I don’t know if I’ll get more money because we’re doing well – you’ll have to ask the chairman.

“If we could bring in a few players, which we need, that’d be great. But, realistically, we’ll get a couple.”

Fulham face Southampton at Loftus Road on Boxing Day, while Chelsea take on capital rivals Charlton at The Valley.