UK Football

By Oliver Pickup

COBHAM, England, Aug 15 (Reuters) - New Chelsea coach Luiz Felipe Scolari urged England to re-appoint John Terry as captain on Friday.

England coach Fabio Capello, who has tried several skippers including Terry, Rio Ferdinand and Steven Gerrard since taking over earlier this year, will announce his permanent selection before Wednesday's friendly against Czech Republic at Wembley.

"It would be a fantastic choice if he made John Terry captain," Scolari told reporters ahead of Chelsea's Premier League opener against Portsmouth at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

"He is captain of Chelsea and I think he must again captain England. He helps the manager and the players by saying the right things on and off the field."

Central defender Terry had been England skipper under Steve McClaren, who was Italian Capello's predecessor.

Scolari, who took over as Chelsea coach from Israeli Avram Grant in the close-season, will pin his goal hopes on France striker Nicolas Anelka against FA Cup winners Portsmouth with Ivory Coast international Didier Drogba out injured.

Anelka only netted twice in 24 appearances for the London club last season but has been in good goal-scoring form in pre-season.

"Maybe this is the season for Anelka," said Scolari. "He has played well in the friendlies, has shown good speed and has switched position very well.

"But sometimes he is a different player, he is quiet and timid, and we need to put the fire in Anelka. We need to tell him he is very good and that he should go and try.

"I need to work more with him to get the best out of him. I need to help him in the head because he has some good qualities."

Chelsea will look to go one better this season after finishing runners-up to Manchester United in the Premier League and Champions League in May.