Terry focused on big year ahead

11 August 2009 18:49
England captain John Terry is ready to draw a line under the summer and begin what could be the biggest season of his career. Terry was the subject of a lucrative offer to join Manchester City before pledging his future to Chelsea while on their pre-season tour of the USA. Now the 28-year-old is targeting UEFA Champions League glory with Chelsea while looking forward to next year's World Cup. England are on the brink of qualification and after being involved in the summer's biggest transfer saga, Terry is determined to let his football do the talking. "That's why it was important for me to get away to America, to get fit and play some football," he said. "I feel sharp and ready to get the season under way. You just want to get on with your football and get on with that." After failing to lure Terry to Eastlands, City turned their attention to Everton defender Joleon Lescott. The Toffees have turned down two bids from City and have now refused a written transfer request from the England international, but Terry is confident that Lescott too will be fully focused for England's friendly away to Holland on Wednesday. "That is why players have agents and people around them to look after those situations," he said. "If a player wasn't doing their stuff on the field, they wouldn't have the club interested in him. I'm sure Joleon can concentrate on his football." Lescott is among the fringe players looking to cement a place in the England squad after making an important contribution during the qualifying campaign. Terry is unlikely to be given a full 90 minutes against the world's third-ranked nation, with boss Fabio Capello expected to make six substitutions at the Amsterdam ArenA. "That's why this game is so important, for the lads who have been in the starting XIs and have been involved for the campaign," said Terry. "This is a chance to cement our places. It's not just about this game - we'll see how the season goes - but we're looking to stay fit and get things right on the pitch. "We had a good year and the manager has stressed that he wants us to start from where we left off. That is what we aim to do but it will be a tough test against a very good side. "The World Cup will be in the back of everyone's mind this season," added the England skipper. "We still need to win one game in three, but it'll be an important year for everyone. "Not only for the players in the squad but the young players and the players looking to cement themselves in the manager's head."

Source: SKY_Sports