John Terry

John Terry - England Centre Half - World Cup 2006
squad no. 6

club: Chelsea
position: Centre Half
age: 25
caps: 24
goals: 1

John Terry is brilliant for Chelsea but needs a big tournament here to truly convince that he is top international quality. Strength, bravery and aggression (his top qualities) are usually less important than speed, anticipation and timing at the highest level.

Will be willing to put everything on the line for the England cause, however, and could just be a surprise match winner from the all important set pieces.

Football England Verdict
Rating: 6.40

Struggled to impose himself, just like England, but was not found wanting in the last game.
Did okay but the real problems lay further forward.

Portugal 0-0.
Football England rating: 8
England's predicament brought out the best in Terry and he was unlucky not to win it for us at the end of normal time.
At least defeat spared him having to miss the semi final after a completely ridiculous yellow card decision.

Ecuador 1-0.
Football England rating: 6
Had an awful 1st half but recovered to look solid after the break.
Needs to be on his game from the start from here on in or his errors will be punished. The header he misjudged to gift Tenorio his chance was especially poor.

Sweden 2-2.
Football England rating: 5
His partnership with Rio was beginning to look watertight but then he looked anything but secure after his partner limped off.

Trinidad 2-0.
Football England rating: 7 (star man)
JT had a couple of uncomfortable moments but was there when it mattered to spare England from potential disaster.
Made one dramatic, and vital, clearance from the line when it looked like we were going one down on the stroke of half time. A re-assuring presence.

Paraguay 1-0.
Football England rating 6
Although Paraguay barely tested Paul Robinson this was because of their own lack of adventure rather than any great defensive authority.
Neither of the centre halves truly convinced and Terry started the game with one horrible mis-kick that could have been disastrous against more ruthless opponents.
Did not dominate in the air, either. Still has to prove that he is international class.

Check back here for Football England's Assessment of Terry's Performances and News.