John Terry could know by the end of this week whether coach Fabio Capello will let him keep his job as England captain despite the controversy over his private life. British newspapers reported Tuesday that Terry has spoken with Capello’s assistant, Franco Baldini, and will meet with Capello on Friday.
Terry, who allegedly had an affair with an England teammate’s former girlfriend, is reportedly considering resigning as captain.
Capello has been out of the country but is scheduled to return to England this week. He is due to appear publicly at Sunday’s qualifying draw in Warsaw for the 2012 European Championship.
The Football Association said Monday that Capello alone will decide whether Terry will remain captain for this year’s World Cup in South Africa. The FA said the decision would be made on “footballing grounds.”
The Chelsea defender has already been at the center of several off-field incidents, most recently when he was accused of accepting 10,000 pounds ($15,930) to give a private tour of Chelsea’s training ground without the club’s knowledge.
Terry was made captain by former coach Steve McClaren in 2006 but Capello only confirmed the appointment after giving Rio Ferdinand, Gareth Barry, Steven Gerrard and David Beckham a chance in the role. Capello’s concern is likely to be whether Terry’s alleged relationship with Wayne Bridge’s ex-partner, Vanessa Perroncel, affects his standing with the rest of the England squad. Terry and Bridge were also teammates at Chelsea.
{{/usCountry}}Terry was made captain by former coach Steve McClaren in 2006 but Capello only confirmed the appointment after giving Rio Ferdinand, Gareth Barry, Steven Gerrard and David Beckham a chance in the role. Capello’s concern is likely to be whether Terry’s alleged relationship with Wayne Bridge’s ex-partner, Vanessa Perroncel, affects his standing with the rest of the England squad. Terry and Bridge were also teammates at Chelsea.
{{/usCountry}}Bridge has issued a statement saying his primary concern is the welfare of the child he had with Perroncel, but he is widely reported to be considering retiring from international football. Several of Bridge’s Manchester City teammates offered support Sunday when they wore T-shirts under their team shirts bearing the phrase “Team Bridge.”