England players support Terry captaincy

James Milner and Peter Crouch insist that reappointed captain John Terry has the full backing of the England players.

With Rio Ferdinand and Steven Gerrard both injured for England’s Euro 2012 qualifier against Wales on Saturday, England boss Fabio Capello opted to give the armband back to Terry.The centre-back, who is also the captain at club side Chelsea, was stripped of the role after a series of unsavoury off-field incidents last year.But Manchester City midfielder Milner believes the situation has had little or no effect on the playing “It’s business as usual, the manager’s made a decision and everyone’s happy for JT and disappointed for Rio,” Milner said. “We have lots of good leaders and you need more than one anyway. It helps to have so much experience around and we’ve got a good combination of that as well as the younger players.” “JT has shown with Chelsea and the times he plays for England, he puts his head in where people wouldn’t go and he leads off the field too.””It’s important to have a link between players and management, and players who will say what they think.” Tottenham Hotspur striker Crouch echoed Milner’s sentiments. “It’s the manager’s call and there are no problems from anyone,” Crouch said. “I’m pleased for John and we move on.””We’ve not really talked about it.” “It’s between the manager and the captain, whoever he wants to pick.””There’s a lot of talk of unrest but it’s not an issue. John Terry has always been fantastic on the pitch, leading Chelsea to Doubles, and he’ll be good for us again.””It is a shame for Rio because he’s a top player and great to have around because he’s a natural leader too.” “It’s a shame that he’s had so many injuries and that’s probably why the manager decided to make the change rather than have the armband being passed around.””The manager wanted to stick with JT and that’s fine with all of us.” England, second in Group G behind Montenegro, take on winless Wales at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium.