The announcement is the culmination of a tremendous season for the stopper who has become a crucial part of the backbone of Chelsea's defence as well as establishing himself at international level.

England Under-21 coach Howard Wilkinson, paid tribute to his new captain, saying: "John has got a lot of the qualities that you would want in a captain and any that he does not yet have, I feel confident that he can learn."

Being named captain will be a tremendous boost for Terry, and will perhaps have taken him by surprise considering he has only won two caps at Under-21 level thus far.

Terry replaces Blackburn's David Dunn, who is injured, in the role.