Post by Taxigirl on Feb 17, 2004 10:19:04 GMT
England legend Terry Butcher has backed John Terry to win a place in England's starting line-up for Euro 2004.
The Chelsea defender will get another chance to impress in England's friendly against Portugal on Wednesday.
And with Rio Ferdinand on the sidelines as he serves an eight-month ban Butcher believes Terry's time has come.
"I think he's an excellent player and I would like to see him at Euro 2004 as first-choice, without a doubt," Butcher told BBC Sport.
With Sol Campbell and Jonathan Woodgate both missing the Portugal game through injury, England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson is expected to pair Terry with the recalled Gareth Southgate on Wednesday.
"I think you've got to look at John Terry as being the number-one choice," said Butcher, who won 77 caps at the heart of England's defence during the 1980s and early 90s.
"I think him and Campbell were going to be the central defensive partnership for England (on Wednesday) with Ferdinand being out.
"But now I think the starting two will be Southgate and Terry, because both players are having great seasons this year.
"I'm just disappointed that with his injuries Jonathan Woodgate has been unable to get a consistent run at it - he's definitely an England international centre-half.
"But it's great that John Terry has come through so well and it's obviously good to have people like Gareth Southgate there, who's been there and done it all."
Terry has been in fine form for Chelsea this season and Butcher thinks he has the ability to star for England at Euro 2004.
"Terry is very sharp upstairs," said Butcher. "He sees things develop and snuffs them out very quickly and he looks a winner to me.
"He's got a great attitude, he's whole-hearted, gives everything to the team and he's one of the players that you pencil in straight away because you need that sort of player to build the foundations on.
"I would expect him to be in the team for Euro 2004. I have no worries about that whatsoever."
Terry is determined to seize his chance on Wednesday to impress Eriksson.
"It's down to me," said the 23-year-old.
"If I can just keep on playing well for Chelsea and then, when I get my chances for England, play well for them too, hopefully it will give Sven a tough choice to make.
"Woody has been playing well too, I've been watching a few games of his, so I'm sure it will go right down to the wire.
"Overall though, I think this has been my best season. I've been really consistent week in and week out, which has been really pleasing for me.
"To make the step-up to international level has been a great achievement for me and a dream.
"I've just got to keep on doing well for both teams and hopefully I can get the shirt for the European Championship."