"I have to choose, though. I understand why some would say John is the best but I think you could say the same about Rio or Sol. It's important for me to keep them all happy."
What any coach needs is a positive response from a player when he is left out. And Terry gave him that.
"I talked to John Terry last time," said Eriksson of his decision to recall Ferdinand to face Wales as soon as his suspension was finished.
"He was fantastic, a real professional and a very good player. He is young and will only get better and better playing with Chelsea."
As club captain and with a new contract in the bag, life has rarely been better for Terry.
But he very much cares about playing for England. That's why he puts his head in when the boots are flying and why he will be doing his utmost to impress Eriksson tonight.
