John Terry
Wednesday, 30 January, 2008
His one goal during the year, the third of his England career, was a towering header against Brazil.
John Terry
DOB 07.12.80
2007 Caps 7, Goals 1
Career Caps 42, Goals 3
Chelsea
John Terry made seven appearances for his country during 2007, and the England captain's fondest memory will surely be of becoming the first player to score at the new Wembley wearing the Three Lions when he netted a trademark header during the 1-1 draw with Brazil in June.
The 27-year-old Chelsea star rose at the back post to meet David Beckham's pin-point delivery and steered his header back across goalkeeper Helton and into the back of the net.
And Terry's importance to the England defence was underlined by the fact that only three goals were conceded in the seven games that he played - with none of those coming in any of the five competitive ties that saw the Chelsea man at the heart of the back four.
Terry's stock has risen steadily since he made his international debut in June 2003, and he is now considered one of the most combative and sturdy defenders in world football.
His partnership with Rio Ferdinand has become formidable and the duo complement each other as Terry's old-fashioned values of putting your head in where it hurts dovetails successfully with Ferdinand's ball-playing and game-reading abilities.
Terry also became the first man to lift a trophy at the new home of English football as he led the victorious Chelsea side that lifted the FA Cup in the magnificent stadium's grand opening this season, beating Manchester United 1-0 in the final.
The centre-half was named in the FIFPro team of 2006-07, but after missing more games in 2007 than he would have liked due to knee and foot injuries he will hope to make a full recovery during 2008 to help steer Fabio Capello's side to the World Cup in South Africa in 2010.
"It's the ultimate to play for your country and I tell you that every time someone pulls that shirt on in the dressing room, it's the best feeling ever. We love playing for our country. Club football is how you get picked for your country and that's your bread and butter. But to represent England is the ultimate." John Terry
