Former England captain John Terry congratulates Roy Hodgson's side on their qualification for Brazil 2014 World Cup

Terry, who retired from international football in September, agrees that Andros Townsend has been a 'breath of fresh air'

John Terry has congratulated the England team and Roy Hodgson over their qualification for next summer's World Cup (GETTY IMAGES)

Chelsea captain John Terry has congratulated Roy Hodgson's England on their World Cup qualification.

The 32-year-old, who has 78 caps, retired from international duty amid the Anton Ferdinand affair, but is keeping England centre-back Gary Cahill out of the Chelsea team at present.

Terry wrote in the Chelsea matchday programme: "Congratulations to all our players who qualified for the World Cup during the international break, especially to Roy and the England boys - I was more nervous watching than I ever was as a player.

"Well done to Lamps and Gaz (Frank Lampard and Cahill) and I thought Andros Townsend was a breath of fresh air.

"He had me on the edge of my seat every time he got the ball."

Former England captain Terry made himself unavailable for international selection in September 2013.

Speaking on the eve of the Cardiff fixture, Jose Mourinho insisted that decision to opt out of England duty was a "personal" one, but had it been him, the Portuguese would have delayed it.

Mourinho said: "If I was a football player I think I would wait for the national team to say 'we don't need you any more'. That's just my personal feeling. I would wait.

"For sure he has reasons that push him (to make) that decision."

Earlier this year it was suggested Terry would consider an international return, something Mourinho says is a matter for the player and Hodgson.

The Chelsea boss said: "I'm not in favour or against. It's their decision."

PA