Rooney backs Terry
Friday, 11 August, 2006
Wayne Rooney has given his backing to England captain John Terry, saying 'he is a real leader on the pitch.'
Wayne Rooney has been leading the praise for England's new captain and has backed John Terry to be a successful England skipper.
"Both Steven and John Terry are great captains,'' said Rooney. "Steven is a good friend and a has a great attitude.
"But I also know John Terry will do a fantastic job for England, as he has done for Chelsea. He is a real leader on the pitch.''
Ray Wilkins, who had the international armband from 1982-1986, said: "John Terry was always my choice. He leads by example and I'm sure he will make a splendid England captain."
World Cup winner Jack Charlton said: "Terry is a natural leader for Chelsea and will be the same for England.
"I have always said centre backs should be captain as they are behind people and can see most of the play.
"What England need is somebody who is involved in the play and can see everything and has a voice."
David Platt, England captain between 1993 and 1996, said: "I had him as a player at Nottingham Forest and at England Under-21 level, and whether or not he's got the armband on, he's still going to be a leader."
Former England manager Graham Taylor said: "Terry is captaincy material. Football people tend to prefer players from the back where you can see the big picture."
Ex-Tottenham striker Garth Crooks added: "He will be a very capable England captain. With the England captaincy is his hands, England will do very well.
"John is a leader by example. He doesn't say a lot. When he does say something, people listen. He is totally committed to the cause, and people respond to his own performances. He will do a great job."