• Wales v England, Euro 2012 qualifier

Terry can lead England to top spot

John Terry will look to lead by example after being handed the England captaincy © PA Photos

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Amid all the controversy and indignation at Fabio Capello's decision to re-appoint John Terry as captain of England it's easy to forget that the Three Lions can go top of Group G with a victory over neighbouring Wales at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday.

And a victory is exactly what the reinstated skipper, who was stripped of the armband just over a year ago after problems off the field, called for during his press conference as he knows anything less against last-placed Wales will see the finger of blame pointed in his direction.

Terry is back in charge largely because of Rio Ferdinand's continued injury problems and, with the centre back missing once again, Spurs defender Michael Dawson, who played alongside Terry during England's 2-1 win over Denmark in February, is likely to resume his partnership with the Chelsea defender.

Steven Gerrard's groin injury means that rising star Jack Wilshere, who has already been earmarked as an England captain of the future, can be eased into the side without putting anybody's nose out of joint, although that time will come as Capello claims the 19-year-old's name is now one of the first on the team sheet.

Up front, Andy Carroll is fit again and the big No. 9 is expected to be handed his second cap alongside Wayne Rooney, for whom he should be the perfect foil.

But the fresh faces are not confined to the England camp. Saturday's qualifier will be a first competitive match for Wales boss Gary Speed, who took over from John Toshack in December, after presiding over a 3-0 Nations Cup defeat against Ireland in his first game in charge.

Speed's side was shorn of its star names for February's clash at the Aviva Stadium and, while Arsenal's Aaron Ramsey and on-loan Cardiff striker Craig Bellamy return, he will be without Nottingham Forest forward Robert Earnshaw and, most significantly, Gareth Bale.

Wales have lost all three of their qualifying matches so far - defeats to Montenegro, Bulgaria and a 4-1 thumping in Switzerland making the Welsh FA's decision to accept Toshack's resignation an easy one - and the stars will have to shine particularly brightly if Speed's team are to pick up their first point of the Euro 2012 qualifying campaign against unbeaten England. A surprise 0-0 draw at home to Montenegro last time out is the only hiccup for Capello's side, who beat Bulgaria and Switzerland convincingly in their first two qualifiers.

Wales player to watch - Aaron Ramsey. The Arsenal starlet will make his first start for Wales since breaking his leg in February last year and will go straight into the creative hub of midfield. Rated very highly by Arsene Wenger the 20-year-old was loaned out to former club Cardiff City to help with his rehabilitation before returning to Emirates Stadium in March and is still striving to hit top form. Schooled in the Arsenal way, Ramsey has been used in the holding role for his country but more significant may be his technique and vision to prompt the Welsh attack. His box-to-box running will make him a key player at both ends of the pitch.

England player to watch - Wayne Rooney. It's been a long time coming but the Manchester United forward has recently shown glimpses of his old rampaging self whilst playing off a lead striker, Javier Hernandez, for his club. With fit-again Liverpool striker Andy Carroll expected to lead the line for England, Rooney will play the same role at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday so there are no excuses for a below-par performance. When he's at the top of his game the burly, skilful forward is among the world's best but England fans have not seen that side of him for far too long.

Key battle - Craig Bellamy v John Terry. The absence of Bale means Bellamy - on loan at Cardiff from Manchester City - will be the hosts' best hope of finding a way through. Bellamy has settled in well at his hometown club this season and, as expected, is one of the most feared strikers in the Championship. Terry this week played down his verbal battle with the forward last season, but it is certain to give their personal duel some added spice as the Chelsea man desperately seeks to avoid embarrassment in his first match since reclaiming the captaincy.

Trivia: England have alternated between victory and defeat on their last five trips to Wales. If the trend continues, they will lose at the Millennium Stadium.

Stat: Wales have conceded a total of six second-half goals in their past three outings.

Odds: Wales (7/1), the draw (7/2) and England (2/5) are all available at bet365, but Andy Carroll to score the first goal in a 2-0 win for England is 16/1.

Prediction: The Welsh will certainly raise their game but despite having a number of stars sprinkled throughout the team the supporting cast isn't as good as England's. It would be a big surprise if England lost and they should take all three points from this qualifier.

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