Terry back to lead England

John Terry will be fit to lead England out in tomorrow’s Euro 2008 qualifier against Russia – but will need an operation soon.

The England captain had been a major doubt after picking up a knee injury in training last week which forced him to sit out Saturday’s 3-0 win over Estonia.

He travelled to Moscow yesterday and, after training today, was given the all-clear to play in tomorrow’s Group E clash.

However the Chelsea captain subsequently confirmed he will require a minor operation in the near future.

Terry anticipates he will be out of action for only around a week after surgery.

Such a quick return to action would mirror the impressive recent recovery of England team-mate Michael Owen, who played for Newcastle eight days after undergoing surgery for a groin injury in Germany.

In recent weeks Terry has also been playing through his recovery from a fractured cheekbone thanks to a specially-moulded protective face mask.