England’s National team Manager, Roy Hodgson, has played down chances of the Chelsea skipper’s return to international football. The former England defender was set to be in contention for the position after his recent performances and discipline for his club, a situation that has led to praise from team mates and his manager. However, Hodgson has confirmed that Terry’s return is not among his plans.
The Three Lions Boss believes that retirement is the end of it all and no way back. “John has retired and as far as I am concerned that is the situation. We have got along without him for the whole of the qualification and a few friendlies as well, so we will get along without him in the future”, he told BBC Sport.
Terry has been hit with a number of controversies in his international football career, that saw him being stripped of captaincy and end with fallout with the England Football Association over racial comments. The temptation to recall the defender remains very much possible, considering the injuries that may hit the England squad before the World Cup. Hodgson, though, remains optimistic he yet has many to choose from in the position, “after our first qualification game when John Terry limped off, we have chosen players who are available, so we will continue with that.”
Terry’s partnership with Gary Cahill in the heart of the Chelsea defense has been one to watch this season, erecting a wall that has leaked the least goals in the Premier League in the past ten matches.
The duo are likely to miss the pivotal cup clash with Manchester City , having been feared to have fitness concerns. John Terry had been hoped to feature against West Brom on Tuesday, after sitting out during Saturday’s win over Newcastle, but this failed as his absence was felt after West Brom’s Anichebe leveled late to deny Chelsea the win. More misery was added as Cahill limped off with a calf injury, to sum up a frustrating night for Chelsea at the Hawthorns.
