Terry sacked

named a third choice," said Capello. "There is no reason to change this decision."

As Ferdinand, who is no stranger to controversy himself after serving an eight-month ban in 2004 for missing a drugs test, has featured in only four of England's last 12 internationals, the 31-year-old's fitness record has to be taken on trust.

Yet this is merely a side issue compared to the storm Terry has caused and the fact he will spend a lifetime knowing he lost the job he coveted above all others.

Although FA chairman Lord Triesman and chief executive Ian Watmore had stated in public and private that Capello was being given total responsibility, confirmation in itself of the respect in which he is held, they will be glad the 63-year-old dealt with it so quickly.

They already know Capello will be centre of attention in Warsaw this weekend but if the Terry issue had remained unresolved, the media spotlight would have been exclusively on England rather than one of UEFA's flagship events, causing extreme irritation to European football's governing body and untold damage to the on-going World Cup bid.

Some issues remain to be addressed, with Bridge's availability for the Egypt game of particularly interest given he returns from a knee injury for Manchester City at Hull this weekend.

But, just as he did when he replaced Steve McClaren, Capello has brought a sense of clarity to very murky waters and England as a whole should benefit.