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ENGLAND v RUSSIA - TERRY'S SUMMER DREAMS
Captain John Terry has vowed to repay the faith of England's expectant fans by leading his country to glory in next summer's European Championship.
Steve McClaren's men head into Wednesday night's crunch Euro 2008 qualifier against Russia at Wembley on the back of an impressive 3-0 victory over Israel.
England are now currently third in Group E, three points behind leaders Croatia with four games left.
The manner of Saturday's performance certainly captured the imagination of supporters once again, with key midfielder Steven Gerrard, the Liverpool captain, declaring the current crop of international players the strongest team he has known.
Terry, 26, also firmly believes England have the talent and self-confidence to finally deliver on the big stage.
"I want to be a captain to be remembered - that means taking us to the Euros and really giving ourselves a chance to win something with England," declared Terry, who has been skipper of the national team for just over a year now.
"To be the captain and do that would be something amazing. We are a long way off at the minute, but hopefully the possibility is there."
Terry added: "I think's it vital to get the belief of everyone. There's nothing better when you are sitting at home watching the fans saying how well the England team are playing.
"When I have not been involved in games, I have travelled to a lot of games and you see these supporters coming in from work, picking their kids up from school and coming to games in the evening."
The Chelsea defender recalled: "I was like that as a kid. My mum and dad saved up for tickets. I know exactly how much it means to them and exactly how much it means to everyone in England.
"When England play well it gives everyone a lift. We all know that.
"People go into work on Monday mornings very high after a good result, so it is key.
"We have said a lot of things too many times - but this is the crunch now and we need to let our football, our results and our performances do the talking.
"Russia are a very good side, it is going to be a very tough game - but if we can win again hopefully we can get the belief of not only the fans but of everyone in the country. Then we can all move on together."
Terry feels the squad - packed with Premier League stars who perform regularly on the European club stage - has a new sense of togetherness, and a touch of "arrogance" which is necessary for them to make an impact at the major tournaments.
"Maybe, in a nice way, to get the arrogance and confidence within ourselves. Hopefully that is going to come," said the centre-half.
"If we can win this and take momentum into the Euros, I think in those big competitions you need a bit of luck.
"Then arrogance and confidence can come into it.
"When other teams see you like that they find it very hard. They come to places and think 'we're not going to get anything here'. So we need that bit of resilience as well."
By Bettingzone.co.uk
Used with permission.
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