Two positions in English football, those of centre-forward and centre-back, have the term ‘traditional’ tends to them. These positions share some traits – particularly strength and bravery in the air – and they certainly share a high level of respect throughout the game.

England World Cup squads have of course been packed with great centre-backs in the traditional, uncompromising mould – from Jack Charlton in 1966, to Terry Butcher in three consecutive World Cups, to Tony Adams in the 90’s and coming up to date with current defensive bulwark John Terry. Five decades of comparison is not entirely accurate, because of the changes in game play, but offering close parallels are Tony Adams and John Terry, as they have overlapping club careers. Each was a club captain in their early 20s, both physical and vocal in their approach with an ability to read the game that set them apart as natural leaders.

Each player is known for their faithful approach to the England shirt. Making his his senior debut just three years later in 1998 against Aston Villa in a League Cup tie, ‘JT’ joined Chelsea’s youth system at 14. He captained the Blues for the first time against Charlton Athletic in December 2001 and has since become a Chelsea legend, winning two Premier League titles, three FA Cups and two League Cups.

As an England international he was first capped against Serbia and Montenegro in 2003 and has gone on to make 59 appearances, being selected in the All-star Squad for the 2006 World Cup. He has captained England under Steve McClaren and Fabio Capello. When Bobby Robson awarded him his first cap against Spain in 1987, Tony Adams was hailed as a future England captain and was the bedrock of the famed Highbury back four of the 1990s. During 66 international appearances, Adams skippered the side 15 times and one of the most respected figures in the game. He played in three European Championship Finals and the 1998 World Cup Finals. Conceding only six goals during the recent World Cup qualifying campaign, John Terry led an England back line.

He might gain the opportunity to surpass Tony Adams’ 66 caps at the World Cup final in Johannesburg on July 11, if he plays in England’s warm up matches and the team extends its presence into the latter stages of the tournament. One thing’s for sure, fans will be hoping that soon he will pass his equally unconquerable centre-back.

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