Roy Hodgson hails "warrior" John Terry

England manager Roy Hodgson has hailed John Terry ahead of the Three Lions' Euro 2012 opener with France, describing the Chelsea skipper as "a warrior".

Terry was a controversial inclusion in Hodgson's squad, as the 31-year-old is facing court charges for allegedly racially abusing Anton Ferdinand, whose brother, Rio Ferdinand, was a surprise omission from the 23-man party.

However, speaking ahead of his side's crucial Group D clash in Donetsk, Hodgson has praised Terry's leadership qualities.

"We all know what a centre-half he is and what a warrior he is," said Hodgson. "We also know he is a player capable of taking others with him, not least his team-mate Ashley Cole.

"I just hope John will show in this tournament all the qualities I have seen him show over many years with England.

"I'm convinced that he is very determined to show these qualities. He feels this is a great opportunity to show the very best of what he can do."

England have kept clean sheets in four of the last five games in which Terry has featured.