Sport

Terry gets full backing

Steve McClaren officially made John Terry his England captain yesterday and then tipped him to become one of the all-time greats…

Sat Aug 12 2006 - 01:00

Steve McClaren officially made John Terry his England captain yesterday and then tipped him to become one of the all-time greats.

McClaren also named his first England squad, for the friendly international against Greece on August 16th.

Chelsea skipper Terry (25) got the job ahead of Steven Gerrard, who has agreed to become vice-captain. It was a close contest, with strong arguments for both candidates, but McClaren has opted for Barking-born Terry.

The new England manager will unveil his backroom team tomorrow and his first squad to face Greece in a friendly next week.

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McClaren said: "Choosing a captain is one of the most important decisions a coach has to make.

"I'm certain I've got the right man in John Terry. I'm convinced he will prove to be one of the best captains England has ever had.

"John has all the attributes an international captain needs: leadership, authority, courage, ability, tactical awareness and a total refusal to accept second-best.

"Over the five years I've been involved with the England coaching set-up I've seen first hand the respect that John has among his fellow players.

"There are a number of strong leaders in the squad and he will not lack support on and off the pitch."

Chelsea centre half Terry succeeds David Beckham, who stood down after England's World Cup exit. Terry said: "It is the ultimate honour to be the captain of your country and I am very proud to be given this great opportunity.

"It is an incredible challenge and one I am looking forward to very much."

Terry has won 29 caps since making his debut against Serbia and Montenegro on June 3rd 2003.

McClaren also announced yesterday that former England and Tottenham manager Terry Venables would be his assistant.

ENGLAND SQUAD (v Greece): Robinson (Tottenham), Kirkland (Liverpool), Foster (Man Utd); Bridge (Chelsea), Brown (Man Utd), Carragher (Liverpool), A Cole (Arsenal), Dawson (Tottenham), Ferdinand (Man Utd), G Neville (Man Utd), P Neville (Everton), Terry (capt, Chelsea), Young (Charlton); Downing (Middlesbrough), Gerrard (Liverpool), Hargreaves (Bayern Munich), Jenas (Tottenham), Lampard (Chelsea), Lennon (Tottenham), Richardson (Man Utd), Wright-Phillips (Chelsea); Ashton (West Ham), Bent (Charlton), Crouch (Liverpool), Defoe (Tottenham).