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Terry considering England future

Fabio Capello will have to appoint a new captain after the FA relieved John Terry of his duties on Friday © Getty Images

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John Terry is reportedly considering his international future after being stripped of the England captaincy.

Terry was axed as England captain on Friday after the FA board intervened with the Chelsea defender due to stand trial in July charged with racially abusing QPR defender Anton Ferdinand.

Terry denies the charges and has entered a not-guilty plea, but with such a serious charge hanging over his head, FA chiefs felt it was it was not appropriate for Terry to retain the captain's armband in the lead-up to this summer's European Championship.

"This decision has been taken due to the higher profile nature of the England captaincy, on and off the pitch, and the additional demands and requirements expected of the captain leading into and during a tournament," said an FA statement.

Although the FA made it clear the defender was free for selection for Euro 2012, Terry is said to be devastated at the news and furious at his treatment by the FA. Saturday's Guardian claims Terry wants to quit international football, but has been advised not to make any rash moves.

England manager Fabio Capello, who stripped Terry of the captaincy two years ago after the defender's affair with England team-mate Wayne Bridge's ex-girlfriend, was of the opinion that his skipper was innocent until proven guilty.

According to a report in the Daily Mirror, Capello is extremely unhappy with the decision, fighting for Terry to remain as captain, even consulting his contract to see whether he had the right to veto the FA's move.

Steven Gerrard is the favourite to replace Terry as captain, while former captain Rio Ferdinand ruled himself out of the running on Friday. Ferdinand, brother of Anton, replaced Terry as captain two years ago, only to be replaced when Terry was reinstated 13 months later.

"I don't want to be England captain after the last episode," Ferdinand wrote on Twitter. "Just want to concentrate on playing for Man United and if I make the squad then as ever I'll be delighted."

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