Terry hails defenders' union

John Terry has revealed the close bond between England’s posse of centre-backs as Rio Ferdinand prepares to step back into the firing line for Wednesday’s final World Cup qualifier with Poland at Old Trafford.

The battle for a place in Sven-Goran Eriksson’s first XI is at its most intense at the heart of the defence with Terry, Ferdinand, Sol Campbell plus the versatile duo of Jamie Carragher and Ledley King all genuine contenders.