08 October 2005
Exclusive Interview: John Terry

Centre-back John Terry was pleased to have kept a clean sheet as England defeated Austria 1-0 at Old Trafford.


John Terry is relishing the opportunity to play alongside Rio Ferdinand again on Wednesday and is tipping the Manchester United man to prove his class.

Rio was a second-half substitute in England’s 1-0 victory over Austria, replacing Sol Campbell at the heart of the Three Lions defence.

But Campbell is injured for the visit of Poland on Wednesday and Ferdinand is ready to start.

Terry said: "I’m looking forward to it. We’ve played quite a few games together and I get on with him really well off the pitch as well.

"In fact, all the centre-backs get on really well and talk to each other about things. Before the game against Austria, Rio and all of the other lads made the point of going up to each other and wishing everyone good luck because at the end of the day we’re a team no matter who is out there.

"It was the same against Wales when I wasn’t fit, I went round and wished everyone good luck and everybody is the same.

"If it had been me left out against Austria I would have been really disappointed and I think Rio was exactly the same.

"But I think the boss came out and said he wants his players to be disappointed if they aren’t picked.

"Now Rio has got his chance again and it looks like it’s going to be me and him again on Wednesday. I’m sure he’ll play well."

Terry says he was relieved and delighted to be picked against the Austrians, and also pleased with the result.

He added: Thankfully I got the nod and I’m fairly pleased with my performance. It meant an awful lot.

"There’s nothing better than playing for your country and to get the nod ahead of so many great centre-halves, not just Rio but Ledley and Carra who was at left-back, was great. We’ve got so many great centre-backs, we’re so fortunate, and I’m so glad I was in there."

Now, with England already qualified for the World Cup finals, Terry has set his eyes on facing Poland and finishing top of England’s qualifying group.

He said: "There’s still a long way to go for us. Frankly I don’t think we were great against Austria, but at the same time I thought we did enough and that was the main thing, getting three points.

"We’ve got a good few months ahead of us to prepare for the World Cup and prepare right. The main thing for us was to qualify but we want to be top of the group as well.

"I think we’re playing well enough to go on and win the group. The lads are determined, the whole squad are really determined now. Then we’ve got a long time to prepare and get it right for the World Cup."