England international central defender John Terry has admitted that he is indeed desperately eager for the England captaincy as speculation on coach Fabio Capello's decision gains fire.

England and the Czech Republic clash with each other in an international friendly on August 20 and yet Capello has yet to decide who shall be the captain for England for that match.

There are essentially three candidates for the England armband: Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard, Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand and Terry.

The 27-year-old John Terry told The Sun: “Of course I want the England captaincy — I’d be mad to sit here and say no. I’ve been lucky to get the armband in the past and those memories will stay with me for ever.

“I’m sure whoever Mr Capello announces as the captain will have the best day of his life next week — whether it be myself, Rio, Stevie G or Lamps. The main thing is that England as a team move forward and the captain helps drag them together.

“Maybe I do deserve another chance at the captaincy, but maybe Rio does, maybe Stevie G does, maybe Lamps does. We’re all at top clubs, playing at the top level, and all feel deep down we deserve the armband.

“But it’s one man making the big decision. Having seen the players around the training ground he knows what he’s going to get and whoever he chooses I’ll fully respect.

“If it’s not me I’ll walk up to the person, shake their hand and wish them well.”