Under-fire England captain John Terry is still the favourite to lead out his country in the World Cup opener against the USA on June 12.
Despite ongoing media revelations surrounding his private life, including an alleged affair with Wayne Bridge’s ex-partner Vanessa Perroncel, Betfair punters make the Chelsea man 6-5 to skipper the Three Lions in Rustenburg, South Africa.
Boss Fabio Capello is rumoured to be taking his time before making a decision on JT’s future, with 29-year-old Terry also showing no sign of resigning from the role, despite a barrage of criticism from fans and media alike.
Red-hot Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney is the second-favourite at 2-1, with Liverpool’s Steven Gerrard, himself in the headlines for the wrong reasons last year, a 9-2 chance.
Rio Ferdinand is currently 13-2 but, with the defender struggling for both form and fitness, it is difficult to see Capello picking the United centre back to lead the side.
Betfair’s Andy Lulham said: “There has been a lot of noise for Terry to be stripped of the captaincy, with many supporters now considering him unfit to hold such a prestigious position.
“But Fabio Capello will be reluctant to put any additional responsibility on Rooney’s shoulders and, with no other stand-out candidate, JT could well still emerge from this personal nightmare in possession of the captain’s armband.”
England Captain vs USA on June 12 - Betfair bet: 6-5 John Terry, 2-1 Wayne Rooney, 9-2 Steven Gerrard, 13-2 Rio Ferdinand, 13-1 Frank Lampard, 21-1 Gareth Barry, 29-1 David Beckham
