Capello v Terry: Let’s Try Something New

Posted by Trevor Cassidy in Featured Articles, World Cup on February 5th, 2010 | 2 responses

Being England captain, for whatever reason, is considered the pinnacle of sport – a super god among mere deities. Bobby Moore is held as the archetype England captain – and John Terry is clearly no Bobby Moore. But if the media back then had been what it is today, then Bobby Moore probably wouldn’t have been able to live up to Bobby Moore’s example either. But does it actually matter anyway? What does the captain actually do besides lead his side out of the tunnel at the beginning of a match and take part in the coin toss? He doesn’t pick the team. He doesn’t decide the tactics. The bottom line is, being captain is a purely ceremonial position – albeit with some lucrative marketing benefits.

Whatever Capello decides, he will only care about what’s best for England’s World Cup chances. He doesn’t want this distraction to drag on any longer – and there’s a risk that more revelations about Terry’s extracurricular activities will emerge between now and June. Some also argue that morale in the England camp has been damaged, and if Terry can no longer command the respect of his teammates, then he cannot possibly be captain. We don’t give this point much credence, though – it’s not like the other England players are paragons of fidelity and good behavior.

And that is perhaps the biggest single factor in Capello’s decision process: there really is no clear alternative to John Terry as captain. Rio Ferdinand and Steven Gerrard are no saints themselves. And who knows if Rooney can keep his famous temper under control? As for the England team’s only other guaranteed starters, Ashley Cole and Frank Lampard would probably turn down the offer out of loyalty to their Chelsea teammate.

So here’s our solution: Why not abandon tradition altogether – at least for this World Cup? Why not award the armband to whomever is most deserving on the day? It might actually turn the title into a privilege that you work for – not an honour guaranteed for the pleasure of one man. And don’t worry – rotating the captaincy through the team is not going to diminish Terry’s important role on the field. It’s not going to stop him from getting in his teammates’ faces when they’ve made a mistake or picking them up when they’re down. He’s a leader through and through – regardless of an armband around his sleeve.

What England really needs is a good motivator – not a good captain – and thankfully, they’ve got one.

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