It´s time to deliver says Terry

John Terry admits it is time England finally delivered after years of underachievement.

Terry will lead his side out for England’s opening World Cup qualifier against Andorra here on Saturday determined to write an uplifting chapter in his country’s football history.

The England captain knows the fans who jeered Fabio Capello’s team after a lacklustre 2-2 draw against the Czech Republic last month were taking out their frustration at the failure to qualify for Euro 2008.

Terry understands the fans’ angst and believes the only way to get them back on-side is to mount a successful qualifying campaign and then make an impact at the 2010 World Cup.

“The players understand and take responsibility for the last two years of disappointment,” he said.

“I realise they pay a lot of money for their tickets and travel to come and support us. It’s about time we got them the performances they want.

“We want the fans to stick with us. We can’t dwell on the past. We have to pull together.

“I spoke before about the disappointment of not qualifying for the Euros. The huge disappointment of not qualifying before is still burning in a lot of the players. But this is a fresh start.”

The phoney war of Capello’s five friendly matches is over. Now a morale-boosting win against the part-timers of Andorra is essential ahead of Wednesday’s crucial visit to Croatia and Terry knows there can be no more excuses.

“We’ve had the friendly games but it all starts from now,” he said. “Performances and results are judged from Saturday’s game. We’ve had a lot of preparation and it’s now we’re going to be judged on.

“It means the world for me to be England captain. I know I’ve got a chance to make England successful again. That’s something I want to take with both hands.”

Andorra proved obdurate opponents the last time they met England and David Rodrigo’s players are making ominous noises about roughing up their more illustrious opponents. Terry is ready for the challenge.

“I’ve read in the papers that they want to make it physical and very difficult for us,” he said. “I think first and foremost we have to win our battles collectively and individually. After that we can start playing.

“I’ve learned a lot from the last campaign. Judging from how aggressive they were they will be the same this time. I’ll be happy with a win. Maybe the fans don’t want to hear that but it’s about the three points.”

Rodrigo made it clear his side once again have no intention of rolling over.

“The past is in the past but England will have to demonstrate their superiority,” he said.

“Even if we play perfectly, if England are at 100 percent we won’t win. We need a bit of luck to do something. But we are used to playing in these conditions and we will use it to get the best out of our players.”