Wednesday 24 August 2016 11:34, UK
John Terry is an "outstanding candidate" to be included in Sam Allardyce's first England squad, according to Tony Cascarino.
The defender, 35, could be in line for surprise international call-up after Allardyce suggested he was considering Terry for the upcoming World Cup qualifier against Slovakia.
Terry retired from international football in September 2012, four days before he was suspended for four matches by the Football Association for misconduct following an incident during a match against Queens Park Rangers, but his recent Chelsea performances could lead to an England return.
Blues boss Antonio Conte will not stand in the way if Terry does receive a call-up and Cascarino believes the centre-back should be included to provide guidance to younger defenders John Stones and Chris Smalling.
"I've been very positive towards John and - I've had to say to people there's no bias because I'm an ex-Chelsea player - I think he's an outstanding candidate to be called up," said former Republic of Ireland and Chelsea striker Cascarino.
"Centre-half is a specific position on the pitch where experience is vital.
"I went to two World Cups and one Euros and we had [Paul] McGrath, [Mick] McCarthy and [Kevin] Moran - all in their mid-thirties. They drove the team forward.
"Now, [John] Stones is young, and a talented boy, he will benefit from having John. I think Gary Cahill has benefitted enormously from having John alongside him at Chelsea.
"John would be a big plus. Forget whether he'll be there in two years' time, it's all about here and now - you have to qualify. John would make an impact and I believe John would make them better players."
Stoke midfielder Charlie Adam agreed with Cascarino and believes Allardyce has already spoken with Terry over a possible return to international duty.
"I still think he's the best centre-half for England," Adam said. "Age is not an issue - he looks after himself tremendously well. You look at his record of games the last few years, he's still an outstanding centre-half.
"It will come down to his pace - he's never been the quickest but his experience will count a lot. Especially with the young guys - with John Stones and Chris Smalling.
"I think him and Sam Allardyce will have had a chat because there's no way Sam will have just brought it up for no reason.
"He must have had a conversation with John and he's willing to come in and try it out, I think. Conte has come out and said he won't stand in his way so there have obviously been formal chats.
"It would probably be the right decision to bring him back in but it's all down to John Terry."
