Terry Calls Boo-boys Off Lampard

John Terry last night launched a staunch defence of his club-mate Frank Lampard, with the England captain hopeful there will be no repeat of the barracking to which the midfielder was subjected by the Wembley crowd against Brazil in June.

Lampard endured boos during that 1-1 friendly, a legacy of what has been perceived as lackluster form. The 29-year-old has not found the net since Steve McClaren's first game and he struggled at the 2006 World Cup finals. "I was really surprised to hear the boos," said Terry, who has seen his club-mate suspend talks over a new deal at Stamford Bridge until the end of the season.

"I hope the fans lay off . When things weren't going well for us, maybe a year ago, it was easy for certain sections of the crowd to target certain players. Unfortunately Frank was targeted, which is unfair.

"He's done brilliantly for England and Chelsea for three or four years now. He's had a broken toe but he doesn't miss a day's training. He just plays with pain-killing injections. Perhaps [the abuse] is a legacy of the figures being bandied around about his new contract. But Frank's said it's not all about money. This is his last contract and he has to get it right for himself and his family. I'd love him to stay at Chelsea and sign his contract, I really would, but he has to get it right."

Terry has never played against Germany and is relishing tonight's chance to do so, with McClaren encouraging him to be more proactive beforehand. "He wants me to be a little bit louder,"Terry said. "I said to him that with Chelsea, I can do that. With England it's important that I don't just scream and shout a load of rubbish in the dressing-room before the game. What I say has got to be very to the point and precise.

"I'm always seeking advice from other players and managers on how to be a better captain and I've learnt from those I've played under. Dennis Wise would always scream and swear a lot, getting the players going. Marcel Desailly was very quiet but when he spoke, people listened. With England I don't need to be kicking people up the backside. Playing for your country and pulling on the shirt is enough."