Chelsea skipper John Terry insists he is living up to the demands of being England captain.

A natural leader, he has been handed the armband by England boss Fabio Capello to steer the team through qualifying with the next step at Wembley on Saturday.

Terry, 27, said: "People are entitled to their opinion. But on and off the pitch I am behaving myself. I have grown up and I am taking responsibility.

"I did it at the Champions League Final when I missed a penalty. The most disappointing aspect is that I did not get a good strike on it.

"But I had the confidence in myself to step up and take one, some others players wouldn't. And I really can't wait if I have to take one for England again soon.

"We need the fans behind us and we understand they have been frustrated in the past.

"We cannot forget that they pay a lot of money to watch us - not only at Wembley but all over the world as well."