England146;s incomparable last line

Italy has long been regarded as the spiritual home of the art of defending but John Terry believes this summer8217;s World Cup will prove the balance of power has moved to England. According to well-rehearsed stereotypes, English defenders have been admired for their bravery, fitness and agility in the past, but not always for their technical skill or positional sense.

However, Chelsea defender Terry expects England8217;s performances in Germany to show that the modern reality is very different. As captain at Stamford Bridge, he has matured at an astonishing rate in the last two years, guiding his club to back-to-back titles and forcing his way into his national team in the process. Now he is ready to renew his partnership with Rio Ferdinand at the heart of an England defence that also includes Ashley Cole and Gary Neville and which could have called on Ledley King and Jonathan Woodgate were they not injured.

In fact, Sven-Goran Eriksson8217;s defensive options are so numerous that Jamie Carragher 8211; a Champions League winner with Liverpool last year 8211; and Sol Campbell 8211; a Champions League finalist this year 8211; are struggling to find a way in.

8220;When I think of the best defenders in the world, I tend to think of the English lads,8221; insisted Terry, who was speaking at England8217;s training camp here.

8220;I8217;m looking at the likes of Rio Ferdinand and Gary Neville. I always see these people day in day out in the Premiership and I rate them so highly. I think we have certainly caught up with Italy. Seeing Gary Neville and seeing how he works in training and after training is incredible.8221;