PALS ... John Terry and Frank Lampard limber up in training yesterday

FRANK LAMPARD insists John Terry is not racist.

Lamps skippers England against Spain today at Wembley while usual captain Terry sits on the bench.

Terry is being investigated by police after making alleged racist comments to Anton Ferdinand.

Asked whether his Chelsea pal is racist, Lampard said: "Absolutely not. Absolutely not — I'll answer again.

"We're team-mates, we're friends. I don't know what kind of person you would be if you weren't supportive when that sort of thing happens.

"You have to take the innocent until proven guilty element of it.

"The manager has taken that, John's taken that, and that's how it should be taken.

"The players respect him as a captain of the team, as a leader and as a player. His role is very secure. I am sitting in for one game."

Terry will be back on Tuesday for the friendly clash with Sweden.

And coach Fabio Capello claims he has no regrets over making Terry skipper again.

He was stripped of the captaincy following an alleged affair with Wayne Bridge's ex-girlfriend — then reinstated in March.

The Italian said: "I don't regret it. He's a really important player in the dressing room and on the pitch. He is the team leader."

Capello defended his decision to start with Phil Jagielka and Joleon Lescott in central defence today with Terry a sub.

He said: "I want to see something different. For me, these are important games to see the value of the players."