John Terry ruled out of England clash with Montenegro with back injury as Fabio Capello's defensive crisis deepens

By MATT LAWTON

Crocked: John Terry (second right) has returned to Chelsea due to injury


John Terry has been ruled out of England’ s crucial European Championship qualifier against Montenegro tomorrow night with a back injury, all but guaranteeing Rio Ferdinand’s return to the side.

The Chelsea skipper did not train with the rest of the squad yesterday, and returned to his club last night after being assessed by medical staff.

Terry, 29, missed England’s last two games with hamstring problems and he recently complained of a problem with his ribs but this latest injury setback means Fabio Capello must again revise his Wembley line-up.

Terry’s ill-fortune means Ferdinand not only returns to the national side for the first time this season but also boosts his chances of regaining the captaincy, which has been held by Steven Gerrard while the Manchester United defender has been out with injury.

Ferdinand had been sweating on his place as well as the armband because it looked as though Terry and Phil Jagielka would be the most likely pairing in the centre of defence.

But with Jagielka out because of a hamstring injury and Terry now sidelined, Ferdinand remains the most senior centre half still available and therefore a certain starter.


Capello's choice: Rio Ferdinand and Steven Gerrard are vying to be England captain against Montenegro


Because of injuries Capello has had to select a different defensive pairing for the last five games, given that Ferdinand and Joleon Lescott are now the likely starters.

Since joining up with on Thursday night Ferdinand has been desperate to impress upon Capello his desire to regain the captaincy. He has been hugely committed in training, removing any fears about his fitness after returning only recently from the knee injury that forced him to miss the World Cup.

Ferdinand will discover on Monday if he will captain England. Last night sources suggested Capello had made his decision days ago, which could yet point to Gerrard, but Ferdinand is probably the favourite. All will be confirmed when Capello arrives with his captain for the pre-match press conference at Wembley.

Darren Bent has also impressed this week and he has now emerged as the favourite to partner Wayne Rooney in the England attack, having stepped off the bench to score his first international goal against Switzerland last month.


Hot shot: Darren Bent is favourite to partner Wayne Rooney up front


Capello, meanwhile, is said to be relaxed about a report and photographs revealing how Joe Hart had gone on what looked like a drinking binge in early Spain last week.

Hart was photographed enjoying a drink 36 hours before reporting for England duty, but because it was technically in club time and a week before the match the England manager was said to have 'no issue'.


source :dailymail