JOHN TERRY may have hit 30 and his 6ft 2in body shows the scars inflicted during a fearless 13-year career in football's frontline.

But as the England captain prepares to lead his country out against Bulgaria on Friday he is still taking no prisoners.

Especially when asked if he is considered international retirement.

His eyes flash, his pulse races and his passion for his country just pours out.

Terry insisted: "I love playing for my country. I see it as the biggest privilege of my career so there's no way I'm going to volunteer to give that up.

"I want to go on for a good few years yet, for as long as I can.

"Put it this way, I've got 68 caps and I'd love to think I could get 100.

"There's not many players who've done that so it would be some achievement and it's definitely a goal.

"That's not to say I haven't looked over my shoulder to look at those challenging for my England place.

"I know there's some very good players who want my England shirt. Michael Dawson, Joleon Lescott, Ledley King, Gary Cahill and Phil Jagielka for starters.

"And then there's the youngsters bubbling through like Phil Jones and Chris Smalling.

"I know I need to train hard and play well to keep my place.

"But I'm a realist too and one day I won't be required — but that responsibility is on my shoulders and I will work as hard as I can to put that day off for as long as I can."

Terry's desire and drive to stay involved is as strong now as when he first broke into the big time.

He explained: "When I was younger at Chelsea I got injured and William Gallas and Marcel Desailly played instead.

"I had to knuckle down, work hard and fight for my place. I just battled hard to break back into the team and I've been there ever since.

"I'm the same with England, because representing my country is still such an honour.

"I know there are some players who reach their 30s and announce their international retirement. I totally understand and respect their decisions. We are away a lot and for long spells. You miss your family and friends but with things like skype you can keep in touch.

"And although it's hard, we're doing one of the most privileged jobs in the world.

"I know it's not going to last forever and I want to know at the end of my career I've done everything I possibly can."

Terry's commitment to the cause even extends to championing the idea that friendlies should see some of the country's top stars rested to allow Fabio Capello's exciting crop of youngsters to stake their claim for international stardom.

One such opportunity was lost when the game with Holland was postponed because of the London riots earlier this month.

Terry added: "We all understood why it had to be called off. It was definitely the right decision.

"But, as a player, it was disappointing because we lost the chance to test ourselves against the World Cup finalists.

"Just as importantly we lost the chance to experiment with some of the younger lads.

"I have been so impressed with the way the likes of Jack Wilshere, Danny Welbeck and Tom Cleverley have come into the squad and oozed confidence and ambition.

"I wasn't that confident when I was first called up so it would have been good to see how they fitted in.

"Perhaps we could rest some senior players to keep them fresh and have a look at the back-ups."

But while Terry likes the idea, he will not be leading by example.

He said: "I don't think any player would want to stand down but sometimes you need to be told to let the youngsters have a go.

"It's a good idea but I won't be putting my hand up. I know how hard it was to get this shirt and I don't want to give it up to anyone."

CAPTAIN John Terry will be wearing the new Umbro England away kit. The return of blue gives the shirt a smart modern look with a classic English navy colour. The away shirt combines football tailoring with modern performance benefits and is on sale now.