Capello to decide on Terry fate

This is not the first time Terry’s private life has been in the public eye [GALLO/GETTY]

The fate of England captain John Terry will be decided by coach Fabio Capello at the end of this week, according to British media reports.

Terry allegedly conducted an affair with former Chelsea teammate Wayne Bridge’s ex-partner Vanessa Perroncel, in revelations that have dominated British headlines ahead of the World Cup.

Bridge was a teammate of Terry’s at Chelsea and is also England’s second-choice left back.

Terry is reportedly considering resigning as captain irrespective of Capello’s decision.

Capello is out of the country recuperating from knee surgery but is scheduled to return to England this week.

The English Football Association said on Monday that Capello alone will decide whether Terry will remain captain for this year’s World Cup in South Africa.

The FA said the decision would be made on “footballing grounds.”

Controversial past

Terry was made captain by former coach Steve McClaren in 2006 but Capello only confirmed the appointment after giving Rio Ferdinand, Gareth Barry, Steven Gerrard and David Beckham a chance in the role.

The Chelsea defender and captain has already been at the centre of several off-field incidents, most recently when he was accused of accepting over $15,000 to give a private tour of Chelsea’s training ground without the club’s knowledge.

Capello’s concern is likely to be whether Terry’s alleged relationship affects his standing with the rest of the England squad.

Wayne Bridge is presently injured, but was shown support from several of his current team-mates at Manchester City on Sunday.

They wore T-shirts bearing the words “Team Bridge”, revealed after their 2-0 English Premier League win over Portsmouth.

City players’ support for Bridge, is unlikely to sway Capello either way but the Italian will be mindful of the effect any scandal could have on dressing room unity.

Bridge released a statement on Saturday when he refused to comment on the reports saying his primary concern was the welfare of the son he had with Perroncel.

But Bridge – who tried to convince Terry to quit Chelsea for City before the start of this season – is said to be so upset by the scandal he has considered quitting the England team.