Stoke City striker James Beattie has paid tribute to Chelsea and England captain John Terry ahead of today's big game.

Beattie said: “John and me have had some good tussles in the past but it is always done fairly. You know that if you smash into him, you just pick him up and get on with it. Neither of us would have it any other way.

“You know it is going to be a ­physical game when you come up against him.

“He is ultra-competitive and a very strong player. He is a natural leader who shows others by example. He must be on an absolute high right now with England having ­qualified for the World Cup with two games to go.”

He adds: “He doesn’t really chat in games. He will just say ‘hello’ before and shake hands afterwards.

“But he’s very passionate out there. That, coupled with his talent, is a great combination. You can see he enjoys it.”