Do England need John Terry?

John Terry has been at the heart of the meanest defence in the Premier League this season.

The Chelsea captain has played in every minute of a league campaign in which his side have conceded only 20 times, and clamours for his return to the international set-up ahead of the World Cup are intensifying with every block, header and tackle.

With three Premier League titles, five FA Cups and a Champions League winner’s medal to his name, the former England captain boasts club honours which dwarf the achievements of those in line to fill his void at Brazil 2014 - the first tournament since his international retirement.

That exit from England duty in 2012 followed off-the-field controversy, but having already captained his country in a World Cup, could the 33-year-old once again play at the highest level? And is he needed?

Terry’s form has been instrumental in helping them to the top of the league but Hodgson has decided to stick with the players who helped England qualify for the World Cup.

Ray Wilkins, former Chelsea, Manchester United and England midfielder (RW): He is the best English centre-half in active play at the moment. John is one of a kind in on-field play. He is a great organiser, he can look after his own job and can organise other players around him. As a player, that is exactly what England are looking for.

Pat Nevin, former Chelsea, Everton and Scotland winger (PN): Without even thinking about it for a moment, yes - particularly considering he has a ready-made partnership with [Chelsea team-mate] Gary Cahill. It is a no-brainer. He is an absolutely brilliant player. His reading of the game is as good as anyone.

John Terry fact file:
Date of birth: 7 December 1980
3 June 2003: First England cap as a substitute against Serbia and Montenegro
19 August 2006: Takes over from David Beckham as England captain on a permanent basis
5 February 2010: Stripped of England captaincy following a meeting with Fabio Capello
19 March 2011: Restored to the job by Capello
21 December 2011: Crown Prosecution Service announces Terry will be charged with racially abusing Anton Ferdinand
13 July 2012: Cleared in court
23 September 2012: Announces his retirement from England duty after 78 caps

Terry’s England stats:
Caps: 78
Goals: 6
Captain: 34 times
Career: 9 years and 97 days

When quizzed on a Terry return in 2013, England manager Roy Hodgson called for people to "move forward" and heralded the performances of those who picked up the international mantle since his retirement.

Such a stance makes the doorway to international football appear closed. But with Uruguay’s Luis Suarez and Italy’s Mario Balotelli waiting to torment England’s defence in the group stages of Brazil 2014, the prospect of Terry’s inclusion could look enticing come May.

Premier League success and Champions League glory in the interim would strengthen calls for his inclusion. That is of course assuming Terry, who has shed tears in an international shirt before, wants the pressure, scrutiny and all too often dashed hopes an England World Cup campaign offers.

It’s going to be tough enough for most countries in Brazil. Any team without their best players will find it all the more difficult.