England manager Roy Hodgson has hailed John Terry ahead of the Three Lions' Euro 2012 opener with France, describing the Chelsea skipper as "a warrior".
Terry was a controversial inclusion in Hodgson's squad, as the 31-year-old is facing court charges for allegedly racially abusing Anton Ferdinand, whose brother, Rio Ferdinand, was a surprise omission from the 23-man party.
However, speaking ahead of his side's crucial Group D clash in Donetsk, Hodgson has praised Terry's leadership qualities.
"We all know what a centre-half he is and what a warrior he is," said Hodgson. "We also know he is a player capable of taking others with him, not least his team-mate Ashley Cole.
"I just hope John will show in this tournament all the qualities I have seen him show over many years with England.
"I'm convinced that he is very determined to show these qualities. He feels this is a great opportunity to show the very best of what he can do."
England have kept clean sheets in four of the last five games in which Terry has featured.
