South Africa World Cup news: Is John Terry a guaranteed starter for England?

19/04/2010

John Terry's position as one of Fabio Capello's first-choice centre-halves for the South Africa World Cup could be under threat.

The Chelsea captain, who held the armband for Capello's England side until he was stripped of the position following the scandal surrounding his alleged affair, has struggled for form at times this season.

His recent problems on the pitch culminated in the Blues' 2-1 defeat at the hands of Tottenham last Saturday (April 17th 2010), in which he gave away a penalty and picked up two yellow cards.

With Michael Dawson impressing at the heart of the Spurs defence in front of the watching Capello, the display could put pressure on Terry's chances of starting at the South Africa World Cup.

Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti backed his man but admitted he has not been at his best at times this year.

"Maybe sometimes he had some problems and didn't play so well, maybe against Tottenham he didn't play too well," the Italian said.

The likes of Dawson, Phil Jagielka, Matthew Upson and Joleon Lescott are all thought to be competing for Terry's place at the South Africa World Cup.

Posted by Katie Leake