John Terry, the Chelsea and England captain, has hit back at critics who claim he puts club before country.

Terry's commitment to the national side was called into question after he returned to action for Chelsea only three days after missing the World Cup qualifying matches against Kazakhstan and Belarus.

"No one was more gutted than me, as England captain, to walk away from the squad last week and watch them travel to Belarus," Terry said. "I did everything to get fit but my back just wasn't right. I have worked hard my whole career not to miss any games. It has been frustrating the last two years because I've picked up a few injuries."

"England is the ultimate", he added. "You get picked for England by playing well for your club. England is far bigger than Chelsea, far bigger than Manchester United because you're representing your country and we're all very proud to do it, no-one more than me."

Terry, 27, who scored the winner in the 1-0 victory over Roma at Stamford Bridge in the Champions League last night, said that the criticism has left a bad taste. "People should know what I'm like as a player and as a character," Terry said. "It's just disappointing that anyone would question my determination to play for my club or country."