Retreat briefly from England’s exploits in Russia and it is actually not difficult to recall the last eye-catching, strong-willed performance from one of their players at a World Cup. That it came in a marquee tent in Rustenburg, rather than out on the pitch, was symptomatic of a flawed campaign in South Africa, but John Terry’s impassioned speech at a press conference eight years ago was unforgettable nevertheless.

As England drifted in their group, their performances unconvincing, the centre half aimed slingshots at Fabio Capello, questioning why Joe Cole was not in the starting line-up and insisting that he was not worried as to the ramifications of his sermon (it remains a source of regret that Terry was not pinned down as to whom he