We have to earn it
Wednesday, 12 September, 2007
John Terry says his team-mates must work hard if they are to earn qualification to Euro 2008.
England v
Russia
UEFA European Championship Qualifier
8pm, Wednesday 12 September 2007
Wembley Stadium
Live on BBC1
John Terry wants to be remembered as one of the great England captains when his career is over – and facing Russia today is one of his biggest tests so far.
The Chelsea colossus will lead his side out at Wembley tonight determined not only to pick up three points but also to prove that England are a team capable of achieving things in future.
It’s typical of the inspirational centre-half, whose entire career at Stamford Bridged so far has been steeped in victory. And if anyone is going to be motivated underneath the Wembley Arch it’s Terry.
"I want to be a captain to be remembered and that means taking us to the Euros and really giving ourselves a chance to win something with England," he said.
"To be the captain and do that would be something amazing. We’re a long way off at the minute but hopefully the possibility is there.
"It's up to the players. In our group we are the best team, it is as simple as that really. But the position in the group doesn't say that at the minute and we can't go into games thinking we are going to win because of the players we’ve got – we have to earn the right.
"It is down to me to get everybody going. But when everyone comes into that dressing room and pulls the shirt on they are right up for it anyway. A little bit of added enthusiasm from myself will help that come."
Having picked up two titles, two league cups and an FA Cup in recent times at Chelsea, if there’s one thing Terry is used to doing it’s winning. And he sees no reason to aim any lower with England.
He said: "Going onto the pitch I honestly believe that every game, not matter what it is or who we are playing against, we can win. And I try to get that across to everyone in my own way, that we are not going to get beat today.
"But I mean it in the right way. Not by going out saying we can stroll about for the first half hour and thinking it’s just going to happen. My method is that we work hard.
"You have to earn the right to win games. That comes from everybody but also from myself getting the lads going. I don’t feel any different at all from Chelsea to England. I feel very confident going into all my games and I believe in this side. I believe we can win this game."