By Chris Wright
“Say what now?”
The FA have just released the following statement, confirming that England’s John Terry has been stripped of the national team captaincy for the second time in his long and distinguished career:
“Following the decision to adjourn the court case against John Terry to July, the Football Association confirm he will not captain the England team until the allegations against him are resolved.
The FA Board expected the trial to be concluded prior to the European Championship. Further to Wednesday’s confirmation that the trial will not take place until after the tournament, the Board has discussed the matter in detail and has collectively decided it is in the interests of all parties that John has the responsibilities of captaincy removed at this time.
“This decision has been taken due to the higher profile nature of the England captaincy, on and off the pitch, and the additional demands and requirements expected of the captain leading into and during a tournament.
“The FA Board can confirm that he has not been excluded from the squad and that Fabio Capello is free to select him for the Holland fixture on 29 February and the European Championship.
“FA Chairman David Bernstein has spoken to both John Terry and Fabio Capello to explain the facts to them. Fabio Capello has not been involved in the FA Board discussions which reached this conclusion, but understands that the FA Board has authority to make this decision.
“Fabio Capello will take the decision as to who will be made captain moving forward.
“This decision in no way infers any suggestion of guilt in relation to the charge made against John Terry. The FA will be not be making any further comment on this matter.”
So many questions: Who will take over? (Gerrard, if he’s back in the fold) Will Terry be included in the Euro 2012 squad (Probably, though I foresee a fortuitous injury cropping up a week or so beforehand) Will he retire from international football all together? (No) Will he play for England again (Depends on the trial) Will Rio shake his hand this Sunday? (The FA will do away with it again à la QPR) Will England crash out at the quarters in Polkraine regardless of who is the grunt in the armband? (Yessir).
Any thoughts folks? I can’t seem to gather mine.