Clean up your act
JOHN TERRY has been sent a clear message about his conduct after Rio Ferdinand was made England skipper.
Boss Fabio Capello gave the Chelsea captain a dressing down over his behaviour ahead of tonight’s friendly in France.
And when asked why he had overlooked Terry, he said: “I don’t have to explain my decisions to anyone.
“We need to be role models when we play for England and for our clubs.
“Part of this involves fair play and respect towards the referee and the public who come to see the games.
‘Terry has a chance’
“In that respect, we need to get back something we may be losing a bit.”
Capello has stressed to Terry that displays of dissent to referees similar to his antics at Spurs last week will not be tolerated.
The Three Lions chief added: “A captain must be an example to follow in training and a leader during the game.
“And, of course, I would hope he could be an example, a role model outside the game as well — in life.
“That’s very important. Not just for the England captain but for everything that we, as sportsmen, show youngsters. He has to be an example.”
Terry was made full-time England skipper by previous boss Steve McClaren in August 2006 and has led his country on 13 occasions since then.
But he was out injured for Capello’s first game against Switzerland last month when Steven Gerrard was given the armband.
Capello has made no promises that Terry will be restored to the role in the future.
But he did admit: “I will rotate the captain and I will name a permanent one in August. Until then, John Terry has a chance to become England captain.”
The Italian has clearly forgiven Ferdinand for his missed drugs test in 2004 which saw him banned for eight months.
Capello said: “The past is the past. From watching Rio play and in training, I’ve seen a very good professional. He can be a very good England captain.”
Alex Ferguson last night backed Capello’s decision.
The Manchester United boss said: “He wouldn’t have captained my side if he wasn’t capable of captaining England, I can assure you of that.
“Experience is important in the England role and Rio has more than 50 caps.”
