England captain Terry: My duty to face up to racism row

England captain John Terry says it is his duty to face up to the row that has engulfed him since he was alleged to have racially abused a fellow player.

Terry, who is also captain of English Premier League club Chelsea, is accused of abusing Queens Park Rangers defender Anton Ferdinand during a match in October.

London’s Metropolitan Police have launched an investigation into the incident but Terry claims people have “leapt to the wrong conclusions about the context” of the remark.

He joined up with the England squad last week but did not play in the international friendly against world champions Spain on Saturday. Terry is due to feature in England’s game with Sweden on Tuesday, however.

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Facing the media for the first time since the allegations arose, Terry said it was important he wasn’t seen to duck the issue.

“Being captain is about coming out and facing up to it,” Terry told reporters.

The English Football Association (FA) blocked specific questions relating to the Ferdinand incident while manager Fabio Capello confirmed Terry would start the match on Tuesday, as England continue their preparations for Euro 2012.

Terry got a mixed reception when he warmed up as a substitute at Wembley on Saturday but says the reaction from his fellow players in the squad has been largely positive.

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“We clapped the fans and got a good reception back. I get boos always,” he added. “The players have been very good. The players showed we are united no matter what.”

Capello refused to answer any questions about the race row. When it was put to him the saga had rumbled on for too long he replied: “Another question please.”

On Terry the Italian said: “He is here. He will be with us. He will be the captain.”