Terry not ready yet, insists Grant

Avram Grant last night defended his decision to pull John Terry out of the England squad and claimed 'four mad minutes' in Russia cost them their chance of qualifying for Euro 2008.

The Chelsea head coach told Terry, who is nearing full fitness following minor knee surgery, that he would not be permitted to join the national team unless he has played for his club.

Grant said: 'John would like to play football 24 hours a day if he could, but he is not fit.

'They will miss him as a great defender and a great leader. I spoke with Steve McClaren.

'If John was available I'd have been happy for him to play, but he isn't. It's the right decision.'