Capello reinstates Terry as England captain

Tuesday, 22 March 2011 00:02 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

LONDON (Reuters) - England manager Fabio Capello has reinstated John Terry as his captain, saying the defender had been punished enough for newspaper stories about his private life that cost him the armband a year ago.

Terry will resume the duty permanently, starting with England’s Euro 2012 qualifier against Wales on March 26, taking over from Rio Ferdinand who is likely to miss that match with a calf injury. Capello said his decision had been influenced by the events of last month’s friendly in Denmark when the captaincy passed from Frank Lampard to Gareth Barry and then Ashley Cole in the absence of Ferdinand and vice captain Steven Gerrard.

“After what happened, I decided that John Terry, after one year of punishment, will be the permanent captain,” the Italian told reporters.

“He is a leader but sometimes the leader can make mistakes -- not only him but I, you, all the people ... I think one year’s punishment is enough. “He understood the mistake and he (has) learned from his mistakes ... He will be a very important captain for us because when I choose him, I know he is a leader ... He is the biggest personality in the dressing room.”