4 December 2007
VIDEO: John Terry press conference
John Terry talks about his hopes for the future with England after helping coach youngsters at a school in Surrey.
John Terry has opened his heart on England’s past, present and future after helping coach youngsters at a school in Surrey.

The Three Lions captain talked passionately about the World Cup draw, England’s disappointing Euro 2008 exit and his team’s determination to put it right.

He was speaking at a sponsoredbyyou.com event organised by England sponsors Nationwide at Heathside School, Weybridge, and here's what he had to say...

John, it’s nearly two weeks since the Croatia game, are you still hurting?

“The hurt is still there and it always will be, especially when we are watching the games at Euro 2008 in the summer. It’s very hurtful in the mornings and at night when you are watching any kind of football.”

England have been paired with Croatia again in the World Cup draw. How determined will the players be to wipe out that memory?

“We have to prove to everyone we are able to beat them. We have a chance to do that in the group stages now. They are a good team and it meant an awful lot to them, to their players and to Slaven Bilic. You could see the passion they had and we have to match that and then hopefully our quality can come through and we’ll win the game.”

What did you make of the draw? How tough a group is it?

“It’s a very tough group, there are difficult games and one thing we are not going to do is underestimate anyone in the group. At international level now there are so many difficult games. Even the smaller games you are expected to win are tough – we found that with Andorra. At home we won 5-0 but away it was a tough game and they sat men behind the ball. It’s always going to be tough at this level – players are playing all over the world at a good level and know how to play the game.”

Give us some hope for the future, John. Can you think of any reasons why England fans should be excited by the future for the England team?

“I think the players give you hope. The players are there, we just need to do it as a team collectively. We see week in, week out in the Premiership and Champions League what they can do. I think the fans are frustrated more than anything; they want to see us gel together as a team.

“With this big disappointment the determination is strong. I’ve spoken to a lot of the players over the last two weeks and they want the next matches to come around really quick so we can change this, get the fans back on our side and move forward with England.”

What will you do during Euro 2008? Will you watch any games or will it be too painful?

“I’m not too sure; it’s going to be very difficult. I think I will watch them initially but as it goes on it will become more difficult, knowing we could have been there. It’s going to be a tough time.

“We have to get away and have some holiday time with our family of course but we would much rather be in the Euros and playing for our country. It’s going to be a very tough time for all of us I think, not just players but the fans and everyone involved with England.”

As captain of Chelsea and England how aware are you that you have a real chance to earn a place in history for both, especially if you can win something with the Three Lions?

“More than anything winning something with England would live forever. And with me being captain that would be amazing. Hopefully in the future it can be a possibility. With the things we achieve domestically in this country we have a right to be up there with the best teams in the world. There’s no reason why we shouldn’t be. We have competed with the best teams in the world against the best players and we have to start proving it on the pitch. That’s why this World Cup can’t come quick enough.”