Sam Allardyce considering John Terry talks over England return

Posted Tuesday, August 23, 2016 by Skysports.com

Sam Allardyce considering John Terry talks over England return
John Terry made the last of his England appearances in 2012

England manager Sam Allardyce says he would be open to speaking to John Terry about a return to international football, but admits there could be 'political' issues.

Terry has not played for England since September 2012 after he was charged by the FA. He won the last of his 78 caps in England's 5-0 win over Moldova, and was not considered for the national side during Roy Hodgson's time in charge.

However, asked if Terry could be considered for England selection once again, Allardyce said: "I don't know what the political side of that might mean, if there is a political side. I'll have to have that conversation if I feel that John Terry may be a possibility.

"I think it depends on what John said. Maybe if I get the opportunity, I might have to give him a ring. But until I come to that selection or that process, we'll wait and see."

Allardyce will name his first England squad on Sunday as the national side begin their 2018 Wold Cup qualification campaign with a trip to Slovakia on September 4.

Meanwhile, Wayne Rooney's future as England captain remains uncertain, with Allardyce saying he will announce his skipper this week.

The former Sunderland boss has already confirmed Joe Hart will remain part of the squad for his first games in charge, although the 61-year-old remained coy on whether he will select Hart's Manchester City team-mate John Stones - with Allardyce focused on immediate results rather than playing potential.

"See there's that word then, we don't want potential do we. I want the thing, and right now," he said when asked about Stones.

"Potential is something that's going to be great in the future. I want it right now and I think he's got a great chance of becoming right now working with Manchester City.

"With all due respect to Everton, working with Manchester City and the level he has to get to because you don't realise he (Guardiola) does focus quite a lot on defending - not just wining the ball back.

"(Gerard) Pique was a little similar at Man United until he went to Barcelona then he became a good defender as well as a great attribute for Barcelona in possession. So he had both. That's why he stayed there for so long."