ENGLAND manager Sam Allardyce has said he may consider holding talks with defender John Terry on a possible return to international football, but added he was not aware of the “political” issues that may arise as a consequence.
Terry won the last of his 78 England caps in 2012. He quit the national team after the Football Association (FA) pursued a case against him following accusations that he racially abused Queens Park Rangers defender Anton Ferdinand.
The Chelsea defender was subsequently banned for four matches by the FA, despite being cleared of the allegation in a London court.
Allardyce did not rule out a return for the former England captain.
“Maybe so. I think it depends on what John said. Maybe if I get the opportunity, I might have to give him a ring,” he told British media.
“But until I come to that selection or that process, we’ll wait and see.
“I don’t know what the political side of that might mean – if there is a political side. I’ll have to have that conversation if I feel John Terry may be a possibility.”
Allardyce said John Stones would benefit from working under manager Pep Guardiola at Manchester City and that the defender had a great opportunity to cement his place in England’s defence. “Potential is something that’s going to be great in the future. I want it right now – and Stones has a great chance of becoming it right now through working with Manchester City,” he added.
Allardyce will name his squad on Sunday for their first World Cup qualifier against Slovakia on 4 September. – REUTERS
