Irreplaceable Player

Chelsea skipper John Terry has admitted that filling the void left by Wayne Rooney is a difficult task for England.

The Blues defender, who also captains his country, feels that the Manchester United forward is one of the few players in Fabio Capello's squad who brings something unique to the set-up.

"We have missed Wayne in big tournaments. When we have been at tournaments, he has picked up an injury and a suspension," Terry told reporters at a press conference today.

"Is he the one that is irreplaceable? I think so. I think we have seen him mature as a man and as a player in the last one or two years, grow up and take a lot of responsibility.

"I think before, he lost his head on a couple of occasions and he has learnt from that and thankfully we are not seeing that side of him.

"We are seeing the real Wayne Rooney and he is one of the best with the problems he caused. He is in great goalscoring form for England and Manchester United.

"This is a chance to play without him and the manager to try maybe one or two other players up front and give the other players a chance.