New England boss Sam Allardyce says he is pondering over talks with former captain ahead of World Cup qualifiers
London: New England boss Sam Allardyce has admitted he may talk to former captain John Terry about returning to international football.
Chelsea defender John Terry retired from England duty in 2012 having twice been stripped off the captaincy and was never considered an option by previous manager Roy Hodgson. Pic/Getty Images
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The Chelsea defender retired from England duty in 2012 having twice been stripped of the captaincy and was never considered an option by previous manager Roy Hodgson.
But, with 78 caps to his name, Terry — now considered a veteran at 35 — could make an unexpected return if Allardyce opts to offer him an opportunity to do so.
Lingering politics
Allardyce said he would want to be fully aware of any lingering politics surrounding Terry's past, which saw him lose the captaincy first in 2010 following stories over his private life and again in 2012 after allegations he racially abused QPR's Anton Ferdinand, but the former West Ham and Sunderland boss revealed a conversation may take place in the future.
Sam Allardyce
Asked if Terry was back in the England equation, the Three Lions manager replied: "I don't know what the political side of that might mean, if there is a political side. I'll have to have that conversation if I feel that John Terry may be a possibility.
"I think it depends on what John said. Maybe if I get the opportunity, I might have to give him a ring. But until I come to selection, we'll wait and see."
Allardyce, 61, will name his first squad on Sunday ahead of a World Cup qualification opener in Slovakia a week later.
Hart to stay
He has yet to name his captain but has confirmed Joe Hart will remain part of his squad for the moment despite the goalkeeper falling behind Willy Caballero in the pecking order at Manchester City under Pep Guardiola.