Several teams have chance to win World Cup – John Terry

Published on Tuesday 22 December 2009 09:24

JOHN TERRY insists England should not be regarded as one of the favourites for next summer's World Cup because there is no one outstanding contender.

The England captain, named as one of the players in FIFA/ FIFPro's world XI, said seven or eight teams had the potential to win the trophy in South Africa.

Terry said: "I'm not going to stand here and say: 'We are going to win the World Cup'.

"We're not going carried away. We have a chance, as long as we keep people fit and strong, and we go out there with the right mentality.

"Everyone can see the potential that we have, but it's the same with Portugal and other teams. Brazil, Argentina and Spain are very strong. It's going to be interesting. One of seven or eight teams can go on and win it.

"Everyone's getting carried away saying it's an easy group but the USA is a very tough game and we have to be on our toes."

Terry was speaking at FIFA's world player of the year awards where Lionel Messi was rewarded for a stunning year in which he helped Barcelona to an unprecedented six trophies.

The Argentina forward, who headed the clinching goal against Manchester United in the Champions League final, also scored on Saturday to secure the Club World Cup for Barcelona against Estudiantes.

The 22-year-old won the award for the first time, beating last year's winner Cristiano Ronaldo, his two clubmates Andres Iniesta and Xavi Hernandez and Brazilian midfielder Kaka. He was presented with the trophy at a glittering awards gala in Zurich.

Messi said: "I'm extremely happy. We've just ended a historic year, a perfect year in which we've won every competition we've played in. It's amazing."

The award is voted for by the coaches and captains of each national side.

As well as Terry, Steven Gerrard was among the players named in the World XI.

Other Premier League players in the XI were Manchester United defenders Nemanja Vidic and Patrice Evra, and Liverpool striker Fernando Torres.

Ronaldo won the FIFA Puskas award for the best goal of the 2008/09 season – his long-range thunderbolt for Manchester United against Porto in the Champions League in April.

Brazilian player Marta won the FIFA women's player of the year award for the fourth year in a row. The FIFA Fair Play Award was given posthumously to Sir Bobby Robson for his "outstanding commitment to the values of fair play throughout his career". The award was collected by his widow Elsie.