KICKING UP A STORM ... Hodgson is convinced Terry is ready to shine at Euro 2012

ROY HODGSON has told John Terry: You’re my warrior.

England face France in their opening Euro 2012 match today and new boss Hodgson said: “We all know John’s qualities.

“We all know what a centre-half he is and what a warrior he is.”

The Chelsea skipper, 31, was controversially picked for the tournament despite facing a court case for the alleged racial abuse of Rio Ferdinand’s brother Anton.

And the decision to leave Rio behind and not even call him up when Gary Cahill dropped out with a broken jaw caused a huge storm.

But Hodgson, who leads the country in his first competitive game in Donetsk,believes Terry — who was sacked as England captain — will prove he is the man for the job.

Hodsgon added: “We also know he is a player capable of taking others with him, not least his team-mate Ashley Cole.

“I just hope John will show in this tournament all the qualities I have seen him show over many years with England.

“I’m convinced that he is very determined to show these qualities. He feels this is a great opportunity to show the very best of what he can do.

“Once again he is coming off the back of a very good season with Chelsea.

“That was especially true towards the end when he played a major part in them getting to the Champions League final — even though he couldn’t play in the game.”

Hodgson made it clear he was pinning a lot of his hopes on Terry and new skipper Steven Gerrard.

He added: “They have been involved in many tournaments and also in big games with their club sides at the very highest level.”