England manager Roy Hodgson has suggested that a return to the Three Lions squad for Chelsea captain John Terry is unlikely.

The former West Bromwich Albion coach has revealed that the Blues centre-back is open to returning to international football following Rio Ferdinand's retirement, but has played down suggestions that it will happen.

"John has called me," Goal.com quotes Hodgson as saying. "If push comes to shove and we were desperate maybe we would turn to him. But that's a big 'but' and it's time to move forward and get behind the players who are there."

Meanwhile, Hodgson has hinted that Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney could captain England for their match against the Republic of Ireland later this month in the absence of Steven Gerrard.