Capello: Terry still England's top man for World Cup

Fabio Capello last night gave John Terry a huge World Cup boost as he promised the Chelsea defender he remains a key part of his England future.

Just 48 hours after sacking Terry from the captaincy during crisis talks in his office at Wembley, Capello gave a clear endorsement of the 29-year-old as a player.

Capello said: “This is now over, it is finished. It is time to move on.

“But John Terry is still an important player for England. He is one of the most important players for England.”

Capello, who flew back from Poland last night after England were drawn with Wales, Bulgaria, Switzerland and Montenegro in their 2012 European Championship qualifying group, was reluctant to discuss the reasons for stripping Terry of the armband that has now passed to vice-captain Rio Ferdinand.

The Chelsea skipper was at the centre of more lurid claims yesterday, reinforcing Capello’s decision to remove the captaincy because he believed the cohesion of the England team was under threat if Terry remained in command.

Capello added: “I spoke with John Terry. You know why. But it was a private conversation.”

Remarkably, Capello will not even speak to the Manchester United man about his new role until he reports for England duty ahead of next month’s warm-up friendly with Egypt.

The Italian said: “When I became England manager, I decided captain, vice captain and third captain. You know everything so why you ask the same question?

“I want to speak about this question, but first I want to speak with Rio and the other players.

“We will speak about the new captain then. I want to speak with them before everything.

“Usually I prefer to speak with the players, not the journalists. I understand you, but you have to understand me. I decided everything after I spoke with John Terry, but I prefer to speak with the players first.”

But Capello was backed by Terry’s former Chelsea boss Guus Hiddink, for whom the Blues skipper lifted the FA Cup in May.

Hiddink said: “The FA had a decision to make and Fabio made the right decision.

“I loved to work with John. Even in training sometimes I had to say to him ’a little bit slower because we have a game tomorrow’, which means he’s very committed.

“I know his spirit. He will fight back to regain what his usual standards are.”