Let me throw some names at you: Bobby Moore, Bryan Robson, Billy Wright, David Beckham, Terry Butcher, Stuart Pearce and John Terry. Now tell me, which one is the odd one out?

The answer, in case you were wondering, is John Terry and the reason should be obvious. Don’t get me wrong, there is no denying his qualities as a player but let’s face it, as a captain of the England national side, a post which carries with it all kinds of responsibilities, he’s a non-starter. Because unlike every other name on that list, Terry is devoid of the one thing that marks out a true England captain; he has no class.

And that’s what I want from my national captain. I want to know that not only is he a great player and an inspirational leader, but that he stands tall as an example of the values the vast majority of England uphold. Values such as honesty, integrity and fair play.

Can anyone honestly say that Terry provides that example? I can’t. Instead I look at him and see everything that is wrong with this country. The demise of shame, the growing acceptance of sleaze as an acceptable personality trait and above all, a total and utter failure to accept responsibility for your own actions. Do we really want someone like that wearing the captains armband? More importantly, do we really want the rest of the world looking at him and thinking that we are proud of him or approve of his behaviour?

If you need any further proof that Terry can’t hold a candle to any of his predecessors, you actually need look no further than the fact that this is still an issue at all!

For if he were genuinely a true England captain, he would have realised that his presence would not have been in anyone’s interests and made himself unavailable until the investigations into his behaviour have been concluded.

But he hasn’t. Instead he has clung on like some desperate chav seemingly unable to comprehend that he has done anything wrong.

And that says it all. No class you see.