Gary Cahill hails 'first-class' England captain John Terry after under-fire defender's performance against Sweden

Posted Wednesday, November 16, 2011 by

GaryCahill has praised under-fire England captain John Terry for his "first-class" display in the 1-0 win over Sweden on Tuesday night.

Asked whether Terry had been able to put the racism allegations to the back of his mind, Cahill said, “Yes, definitely. I think sometimes it's a relief to play football isn't it? Whatever is going on away from the pitch, he was first class tonight."

Terry, who was rested for the victory against Spain on Saturday, made his first appearance for England since facing allegations of using racist language towards Queens Park Rangers defender Anton Ferdinand last month.

The Metropolitan Police and the FA are investigating the allegations, but Terry produced a solid performance alongside Cahill in central defence as England kept a clean sheet against a tame Sweden side at Wembley.

“It's very easy and comfortable to play alongside him," said Cahill. “We are giving nothing away at the minute. We've been really well organised and that's very pleasing."

"For us at the back, we have to keep things tight to see games out and get positive results."