FABIO CAPELLO is unlikely to select Rio Ferdinand for England’s friendlies against Spain and Sweden next month, sparing John Terry the awkward situation of linking up with his senior international team-mate while the Football Association is investigating whether he racially abused the Manchester United defender’s younger brother, Anton.
The FA received a complaint from Queens Park Rangers on Monday and has since launched an inquiry into the events that occurred towards the end of Sunday’s west London derby at Loftus Road.
Terry, who denies racially abusing Anton Ferdinand, will be among those players interviewed by the governing body’s disciplinary commission, along with his Chelsea and England team-mate Ashley Cole and Anton Ferdinand himself.
There remains the possibility that the investigation will have been concluded by the time Capello names his squad, on November 6th, for the international fixtures at Wembley.
But, even if it is in progress at that point, Terry will be selected to captain the side, “fitness permitting”, as normal with the vice-captain, Ferdinand, not expected to be involved.
Capello has yet to be convinced by the 32-year-old’s form and fitness this season and is anxious instead to consider the merits of younger players, principally the United defenders Phil Jones and Chris Smalling, and Bolton Wanderers’ Gary Cahill, against such high calibre opposition as the Spanish.
Jones (19) made his debut in this month’s qualifier against Montenegro, but was asked to play at right-back though the England management team are keen to consider him in his natural central position.
Indeed, there is a feeling within the England set-up that they know what attributes Ferdinand Sr brings to the side and they are keener to see him return to something more approaching his best at club level before restoring him to the international fold.
Terry has welcomed confirmation that the FA is investigating the allegations as “an opportunity to clear my name”.
He will tell the disciplinary commissioners that he was responding to what he assumed was an accusation of racist abuse from Anton Ferdinand and was simply denying using the offensive words in the first place.
Guardian Service
