John Terry 'set to lose England captaincy'

John Terry is set to lose the England captaincy over his racism trial, it was reported today. Football Association leaders are expected to strip the Chelsea star of the armband, according to the BBC.

FA chairman David Bernstein yesterday contacted all board members to seek their views after the announcement that the defender's court case will not take place until July 9 - after Euro 2012.

Terry has been accused of racially abusing QPR's Anton Ferdinand, a charge which he denies.

It would be the second time the Chelsea captain has been stripped of the England armband having also lost it two years ago after allegations surrounding his private life came to light.

More than one board member argued strongly that Terry should not be the England figurehead with such a serious charge hanging over him, and that the FA should act immediately rather than putting off a decision until the next board meeting on February 23.

The spectre of England being forced to make a complaint about racist abuse from the crowd when playing matches in Ukraine this summer has been raised - it would be difficult for the FA to take the moral high ground if England's captain is himself facing a criminal charge for racism.