John Terry wants to lead out England despite allegations of racism

By Simon Austin & Richard Conway
BBC Sport John Terry Terry has won 71 caps for England since making his debut in 2003

John Terry will take his place in the England squad if selected this weekend despite allegations of racism against him, BBC Sport has learned.

The defender is understood to want to lead England into friendlies against world champions Spain and Sweden.

A source close to England coach Fabio Capello has already told the BBC that Terry, 30, is likely to be picked.

The Chelsea skipper is being investigated following allegations he racially abused Anton Ferdinand.

The alleged incident, which is being investigated by police and the Football Association, occurred in Chelsea's 1-0 defeat at Premier League rivals QPR last month.

England face Spain at Wembley on 12 November and host Sweden three days later, with Capello due to name a preliminary squad for both games on Thursday.

The squad will not be officially announced but the selected players will be notified.

The final squad will be announced at 2000 GMT on Sunday and Capello is to have final discussions with the FA before deciding whether or not to include Terry.

But the Italian, who will step down as England boss following next summer's European Championship finals in Poland and Ukraine, seems certain to pick the centre-half unless he is found guilty.

Chelsea, meanwhile, continue to back their captain, who will return to the starting line-up for Saturday's Premier League trip to Blackburn Rovers after being an unused subsitute for the midweek Champions League draw with Genk.

Blues boss Andre Villas-Boas, who insisted Terry had not been distracted by recent events, said: "I think John has been involved in all our Premier League games.

"He's our captain, one of the best defenders in the world, and his talent is unquestionable. So he's always up for selection."

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