Leader Terry deserves captaincy, says Johnson

Fabio Capello has come under fire for the manner in which he has handled Terry’s reinstatement.

Rio Ferdinand appears particularly aggrieved judging by the fact he has twice opted against meeting the Italian on visits to Old Trafford this week.

Though Ferdinand has been ruled out of England’s crucial Euro 2012 qualifier with Wales on Saturday with a calf injury, there have also been suggestions the fall-out could rumble into this week’s preparations, with a number of players said to be unhappy.

But Johnson has played down such talk.

After operating under Terry for both club and country during his time at Chelsea, the Liverpool star is in no doubt over the positive impact he brings to any team.

“John Terry leads by example,” said Johnson.

“He loves the shirt and wears his heart on his sleeve.

“He is a vocal presence who tries to help the new lads in the squad. He can see the whole game and organises everything.

“He is a leader and he deserves the armband.”

Johnson certainly does not feel there is likely to be any disharmony in the camp and believes Ferdinand is mature enough to cope with the disappointment.

“It will not be a problem,” he said. “Obviously Rio will be upset to lose the armband, but he is a big man and he will pick himself up and get on with it.

“We are going to miss him this week. When you lose anyone like that, you are going to notice it. But everyone in the squad is a professional. We will get on with our job.”

Johnson has shown even greater flexibility this term after finding himself moved to left-back at Liverpool.

He has stood up to the test and insists he has no worries about the role, especially as Capello still views him as an integral part of his England set-up.

“I would never say it was my place to lose,” Johnson added. “I played the last game and I want to play the next one, that is as far as it goes. Switching positions doesn’t cause me a problem.”

Although Steven Gerrard misses out this time following a hernia operation, Johnson still has some company from Anfield at England’s Watford HQ in the imposing form of Andy Carroll.

Johnson always felt Carroll was a difficult opponent and his arrival on Merseyside in a £35m deal has only solidified that view.

“He scares the life out of opposition defences,” he said. “There is no doubt he can make a big impact.”