John Terry epitomises the English spirit, dogged, determined and an excellent captain, prior to February 2010 the former England captain could do no wrong. A stalwart for Chelsea, Terry got on with his footballing career quietly and effectively, forming the base of a pivotal spine for Chelsea which has been key to their success. John Terry and Frank Lampard are the only two players for Chelsea who could truly be considered indespensible, although I concede that there may be an argument for including Didier Droga and perhaps Michael Essien in this category.

Excellent in the air, Terry has scored numerous important goals for both Chelsea and England, and unlike a particular Chelsea teammate, managed to carry over his high standards to international level. Indeed, after qualifying for the 2010 World Cup, it was hard to see a starting back four without John Terry.

However, the controversy opened when it was revealed that the married John Terry had been having an affair with former teammate Wayne Bridge's girlfriend. A dispicable act, and one that has cost him an enormous amount of respect. Capello, rightly in my opinion, stripped Terry of his captaincy, with Steven Gerrard favourite to take his place. It has been argued that Terry is hardly the first to commit adultery, but few have been in Terry's priveledged position. Many footballers forget the package they are expected to offer in justifying their horrifyingly over-inflated wages. It is not merely about their performance on the pitch on a Saturday, but also to provide a positive role model, and to conduct themselves in a manner off and on the pitch that is representative of an adult, not of a petulant child as many seem to do.

John Terry with his foolish actions may well have cost us a realistic shot at bringing home the World Cup, and ending the irritating comparisons of the '66 team. The England team is currently a laughing stock, and with Bridge in contention for a spot in the World Cup squad, Capello has some difficult decisions to make. With the News of the World determined not to let the story blow over, it appears that this may be an indescretion that continues to come back and haunt the former England captain.

I am not saying that footballers should be perfect, but if they are happy to sign the £100k+ per week contracts, they should be willing to expect the consequences that go with it. The responsibility, the invasion of privacy, the adoration and abuse from the fans are all part and parcel of what is involved by signing that contract. If they want anonyminity, a life of less several consequences for their actions, then I'm sure their local supermarket will be happy to offer them a job, albeit on far lower wages.