• Premier League

Caulker tipped as Terry successor

ESPN staff
September 25, 2012
Steven Caulker is in the spotlight © Getty Images
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Tottenham assistant manager Steffen Freund has tipped Steven Caulker as a possible replacement for John Terry in the heart of England's defence.

Terry, 31, retired from international football on Sunday, believing his position to be untenable after the Football Association decided to pursue charges over the racial allegations involving himself and Anton Ferdinand.

The Chelsea defender's decision has left a hole in Roy Hodgson's defence but Freund believes the manager could do worse than to take a look at Caulker, 20.

"It's definitely possible,'' Freund said. "He is similar (to Terry). He has already been called up for the national side and he's definitely one of best centre halves in England.

"He is like a rock in the defence, he's very tall and strong, and is difficult to beat in a one-on-one situation. He's very talented and wants to improve every game.

"John Terry was a great centre-half for England, everyone appreciates that, but Steven Caulker is maybe one for the future.''

Caulker had a successful year on loan at Swansea last season and was rewarded with a call up to the Great Britain Olympic squad as well as the England squad for the friendly against Italy in August.

He has featured in Tottenham's last two games and is set for a start in the Capital One Cup clash with Carlisle on Wednesday.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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