07 October 2004
John Terry Exclusive

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John Terry insists there is no rivalry between England's four world-class centre-backs - and he sees Rio Ferdinand's return to the fold as an exciting challenge.

Terry has been one of our most consistent players in recent months, looking strong and solid at the back in the absence of Ferdinand and Sol Campbell.

But, like Ledley King, he faces a battle to keep his place now that the more experienced stars are available for selection.

There's no chance of the inspirational Chelsea man letting his head drop, though. And with two days to go until the Three Lions take on Wales, he is remaining as upbeat as ever.

He said: "It's a good problem to have and whoever plays I'm certain will do a good job. When you think that Jonathan Woodgate will be back in the future there could be five of us challenging for two places!

"But it's not difficult, there's no rivalry between us because myself, Ledley, Sol and Rio all get on together well. We know that whoever is playing the other two will be supporting them and wishing them well.

"I remember in the old days Peter Shilton and Ray Clemence took it in turns to play but that doesn't happen these days. So I don't think the manager will rotate us. If he feels Rio and Sol are his best two then he has to go with that. It's up to the rest of us to work hard and fight for our places.

"The way I look at it, it's an exciting challenge and something you live for as a player. You don't want it too easy - you don't want to be in the team with nobody behind you. You want someone there to push you all the time, and to know that you have to work hard.

"But if I'm not selected I will knuckle down, play well for Chelsea and promise that if I get a chance I will come in and take it."

Nothing has been decided about Saturday's match just yet, of course, and Terry will be hoping to catch Head Coach Sven-Goran Eriksson's eye over the next 48 hours in a bid to force his way into the team.

If he does, then there's little doubt that the Chelsea man would be a huge asset in what is certain to be a physical and fast-paced tie.

Terry said: "Wales have some very good players who play in the Premiership, so let's not underestimate them. If we don't take the game to them they are capable of hurting us.

"I've always liked John Hartson up front. Four or five years ago there were more players like him in the Premiership but not any more. He's an old fashioned striker and he's very strong and likes to hold the ball up. With people like Ryan Giggs and Craig Bellamy coming in behind him he will be very dangerous.

"There has been a lot of hype and I think it will be a tough and exciting game for both sides, but we don't want to get caught up too much in the derby hype. All that is important is that we get three points from the game - especially after getting four from the first two matches. It's crucial we build on that.

"After the game we'll start thinking about Azerbaijan straight away and start looking at the videos.But we have to get the Wales game out of the way first."