John Terry says it is his duty to face claims of racial abuse

John Terry says it is his duty as England captain to face up to claims he racially abused QPR's Anton Ferdinand.

The Football Association (FA) and the Metropolitan Police have begun investigations into the incident during Chelsea's 1-0 defeat at Loftus Road.

"Being captain is about coming out and facing up to it," said Terry.

The FA blocked specific questions from the BBC and Sky on the incident as the 30-year-old faced the media for the first time since it happened.
JOHN TERRY'S ENGLAND CAREER
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In response to Terry being asked if he wanted to talk about the situation, FA head of media relations Mark Whittle dismissed the question as "irrelevant".

Fabio Capello left Terry on the bench for the 1-0 victory over world champions Spain on Saturday, but the England manager confirmed that the Chelsea defender would return to the side as skipper for the friendly with Sweden on Tuesday.

BBC sports news correspondent Dan Roan reported that "privately some FA officials are surprised Capello put Terry in the awkward situation of having to face questions by starting with him against Sweden."

Terry insisted that he had received a mostly positive reaction from England's fans and players since joining up with the squad.

"We clapped the fans and got a good reception back. I get boos always," he added on his reception at Wembley.

"The players have been very good. The players showed we are united no matter what."

"I don't feel that at all," added Terry when asked if he is undroppable.

Capello tight-lipped on Terry row

"Now everyone wonders who's going to be in and who's not going to be in. Every game that I pull on an England shirt I feel that we're all playing for our places. You can never take it for granted."

Terry was reinstated as England captain in March.

He had been removed from the post in February 2010 by Capello following reports he had an affair with the former partner of international team-mate Wayne Bridge.

Capello refused to be drawn into detailed discussions on the latest controversy to surround Terry.

"He is here. He will be with us. He will be the captain," said the Italian.

When asked whether the saga had dragged on too long, he added: "Another question please."