JOHN TERRY has vowed to carry on playing for England after being overwhelmed by Fabio Capello's support.

JT was axed as captain by the FA pending his trial for alleged racist abuse against QPR's Anton Ferdinand.

And he was on the brink of calling time on his 72-cap England career.

But Capello's backing and assertion that "Terry could have kept the captain's armband" has forced the Chelsea defender into a dramatic change of mind.

A source close to Terry revealed: "John is naturally distraught at losing the captaincy.

"He has been agonising over whether to step down as a player and end his England career altogether.

"But, having been given such solid support by Mr Capello, he has changed his mind.

"As long as England want him, John wants to carry on wearing the shirt with pride."

Terry, 31, now plans to make himself available for the Holland friendly on February 29 and through to Euro 2012.

Capello blasted his employers for sacking JT as captain before the star's court case on July 9 in an Italian TV interview on Sunday night.

England's £6million-a- year manager said: "The FA's decision does not find me in agreement. Absolutely not."

But former FA executive director David Davies said: "It is being taken very seriously by the FA because it may be Fabio Capello has breached his contract.

"You have to suspect he wants to prevent John Terry retiring as a player before Euro 2012 but there are wider issues.

"You could have what some are calling a morality circus while England are trying to win football's second major tournament.

"There is strong leadership now at the FA from David Bernstein. Last week he wasn't slow to take things forward and he may not be slow to do so now."