Terry Hopes for Moscow Return

Steve McClaren is clinging to the hope that John Terry will return to face Russia in Moscow next week. The England captain is already ruled out of this afternoon's game with Estonia after hurting his knee in training on Wednesday. The swelling was so severe that the images taken when the joint was first scanned were inconclusive. Fears grew that surgery would be needed but Terry's condition is now improving.

Sol Campbell will be in today's line-up instead and McClaren seemed genuinely surprised when asked if the Portsmouth veteran would be able to cope with two internationals in quick succession. "All we're asking him to do is play Estonia," said the coach, who obviously envisages Terry making a rapid comeback.

"He is a lot better than he was on Thursday," said McClaren. "He will be assessed over the next few days and the decision will be made on Monday as to whether he will travel to Moscow with us. There's still hope, knowing John Terry. We're buoyed by that and trying everything possible to get him fit and ready."

The alternatives are unattractive. Campbell might need more recovery time, Wes Brown is injured, Joleon Lescott is uncapped and Jonathan Wood gate's form was not deemed good enough to warrant even a place in the squad.

Jamie Carragher would be an admirable alternative to Terry, but he retired from international football when Ledley King was preferred for two England games at the end of last season. Whatever the sporting merits, that was short-sighted selection policy by McClaren. King is injury-prone and currently is again unavailable.

Carragher is in no mood to reconsider. "He's made his decision and we have to respect that," said his Liverpool team-mate Steven Gerrard, who will be captain today. Referring to Terry, he added: "He's always going to be a big loss. He is a leader for us and as a midfielder you always feel confident having him behind you."

McClaren does have faith that Terry will be available next week and claims to have made him captain in the first place because of that very desire to compete, come what may.

None the less there are concerns to be addressed, particularly since Chelsea will be opposed to any risk-taking with a player who is so important to them.