John Terry – not the captain that England needs and wants

As strong a player as John Terry was and how important he has been to Chelsea, he is a man who has struggled with off the field problems throughout his whole career; whether it be conflicts with players, affairs with girls or the present racism issue, John Terry is never far away from controversy. What he has done on the pitch is inconsequential when discussing a captain of England, the man needs to be more than a leader of men, he needs to be a role model to the country, to everyone, of every race and religion.

Perhaps he is innocent in this current affair and that Chelsea’s decision to delay the court case is for selfish reasons of wanting him playing rather than an admission of guilt that he may be found guilty and that losing him during the season would be tough for the club on their pursuit of the top 4.. For me it does appear that he “doth profess too much” regarding his innocence and that it must have taken Anton Ferdinand some nerve to make up this lie.

Yet, whether he is a racist or not is not the issue, what is important is that he has been accused and surely an England captain cannot be accused of such a thing. England prides itself, somewhat ironically however, as being multicultural and leads the fight to kick out racism, the English FA spearhead the cause for equality, fair play, inclusion. It cannot have as its face, as its leader, a man accused of racism, a man who has serially cheated on his wife in the past. Are these the values that we wish to pass to our young generation. The irony is almost that this is character is the quintessential English man, watch This Is England and the skin heads epitomise Terry. However, our country has changed. And through change it requires role models, those who can show true character, virtue and high morals.

It can be argued that John Terry should never have been England captain, yet the other choices had their difficulties also. However, Terry is a PR nightmare; the England captain needs to be the poster boy, other countries may not agree but in this country he is essential. When you think of the captain of England, you think of Bobby Moore, regardless of whether his team won the World Cup, he was a model to aspire to be. Say what you want about Beckham, but he was a great captain, he sold the product.

And this is what it comes down to, guilty or not, John Terry’s brand is damaged, tarnished. The world of football is marketing, is commercial. Companies wishing to sponsor England in the Euro’s must have questioned how toxic Terry could have been to their brand, he has become black marked and  it is clear that the FA had to act, in the interests of society and football they say, but in the interests of commercialism and marketing, most definitely.  

I wouldn’t take Terry to the Euro’s anyway and Capello’s blind trust in a player who has not performed for him when it mattered is not admirable, it is a folly. Terry is no Baresi, he is not a true leader, he does not command respect like a true leader, he battles, he fights, he screams and shouts, yet he is not a man that you can respect. Too many dislike him in that camp for him to lead and it is best to leave him at home and allow Capello to unite the team. It is only united teams that win anything, and England with Terry is not united, it is fragmented.