John Terry: England Bigger Than Chelsea

John Terry popped up with a 78^th minute goal last night to give Chelsea the 3 Champions League points and a timely reminder of his importance to Chelsea both as a player and a captain. I say a timely reminder because Terry’s physical health and his influence as a leader have both been called into question recently.

Certainly in Mourinho’s first season, Terry’s qualities as the Chelsea captain were unquestionable and he’s a player I would have held above all others as an example. However, the influence of the arrogant Portugueser along with Chelsea’s success brought about some undesirable changes in John Terry’s behaviour, culminating in a season under the hapless Avram Grant during which Terry’s public persona left some previously devoted supporters questioning their former idol.

Having said that, after a brief dalliance with the press back in August where Terry threatened to continue in this vein, he seems to have settled down under the guidance of Luiz Felipe Scolari. Last night’s game gave another example of that when, contesting a decision (and rightly so in my opinion) he ran after the ref, but whilst I sat cringeing, wondering how far he would go this time, Terry didn’t overstep any boundaries and having made his point, got back on with the game. And that’s a sign of change in our former hot-headed captain, who’s previous ugly rants against officials were an all too familiar picture splashed across last year’s back pages.

However, following last night’s timely reminder of his commitment to the Chelsea cause, Terry has found himself having to defend his position when it comes to his country. As mentioned here after his appearance against Middlesbrough last weekend, questions have been raised over the Chelsea captain’s loyalty to the England cause, and the 27 year old says “‘People should know what I’m like as a player and as a character. It’s just disappointing that anyone would question my determination to play for my club or country. No one was more gutted than me, as England captain, to walk away from the squad last week and watch them travel to Belarus. I did everything to get fit but my back just wasn’t right. I have worked hard my whole career not to miss any games. It has been frustrating the last two years because I’ve picked up a few injuries.”

Of course, anyone connected with Chelsea is all too aware when it comes to John Terry’s recent injuries and the impact that’s had on his appearances for us but it’s not surprising he’s questioned when he plays for his club three days after missing out for his country - it’s the sort of question I’d be asking opposition players in the same circumstances. But we all know that given the chance to play, Terry plays – that’s hardly news to anyone at Stamford Bridge.

What could be news to Chelsea though, is the fact that John Terry apparently holds England in higher regard than his club. Despite being idolised by the majority at Chelsea, much more so than he could ever dream of being by the England faithful, Terry says “England is the ultimate. You get picked for England by playing well for your club. England is far bigger than Chelsea, far bigger than Manchester United because you’re representing your country and we’re all very proud to do it, no one more than me.”

I’m sure that’s not a sentiment every England player would agree with and it’s maybe not what Chelsea supporters necessarily want to hear either. You see, whilst I understand what Terry’s saying about representing his country, it’s a pretty thankless task these days and it really wouldn’t matter if he did go out there and ‘play with one leg’, because the headlines would probably still be focused on how easily he went down when his remaining leg was taken from under him!

Besides, as much as I support my country, Chelsea will always come first.