Anelka backs 'world class' Terry March 26 2008
Nicolas Anelka believes his Chelsea team-mate John Terry deserves the England captaincy despite being overlooked thus far by Fabio Capello.
The Italian mentor chose Steven Gerrard as his first Three Lions' skipper and has handed Rio Ferdinand the armband for Wednesday's friendly against France.
And the former Real Madrid boss has made it clear he will rotate the captaincy before deciding on who will be his first-choice.
But Anelka, who will line up against Terry in the encounter at the Stade de France, feels that the 27-year-old defender should be Capello's permanent choice for captain.
"I would have John as captain of England if I was England manager, that's for sure," insisted the Blues striker.
"Sometimes it's harder to be captain of Chelsea than it is of England. So if he can captain Chelsea, he can certainly do it for England.
"I think he is world class. When you play for Chelsea you have to be world class. He's a captain, he's playing all the top games for us in the Premier League and the Champions League and he's a top player."
Terry, who skippered the national team under Steve McClaren, was touted to led the side out in Paris, but it is believed he was overlooked after protesting against referee Mike Riley's booking of Ashley Cole in Chelsea's 4-4 league draw with Tottenham.