John Terry wore the captain's armband with pride in Cardiff yesterday as he led England to a priceless Euro 2012 qualifying triumph against Wales - and warned that rival Rio Ferdinand's international days might be numbered.

Terry, controversially reappointed England captain last week, shrugged off that furore and silenced the Welsh booboys with a towering display to send Fabio Capello's new-look team to the top of Group G.

Committed: John Terry challenges Wales striker Steve Morison

Terry even warned that his rock-solid partnership with Michael Dawson could mean Ferdinand, the man he deposed as England captain, will struggle to get back into the team.

While the injured Manchester United centre-back was tweeting his support for his team-mates, Dawson was producing a commanding effort alongside Terry, who said: 'There's a lot of competition for the central defensive positions but I thought Dawson has made it his own.'

The Chelsea defender had a hand in Frank Lampard's penalty opener - it was Terry's pass that sent Ashley Young into the area, where he was upended by James Collins - then led the celebrations when Darren Bent smashed in the second.

It was a display that more than justified Capello's decision to make Terry captain again, a year after he was stripped of the honour following a series of lurid headlines about his private life.

The England boss, who has vowed to meet Ferdinand this week to explain his decision, said: 'All the players played well but John Terry is an experienced player.'

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