MOSCOW - John Terry will delay knee surgery to lead England's bid to reach the Euro 2008 finals as he prepares for what he calls "one of the biggest games of my career".
The captain is set to undergo minor surgery to deal with the problem which forced him to miss the weekend game with Estonia but he has declared himself fit to face Russia on Wednesday night.
And the Chelsea skipper believes the current crop of players can become heroes in the same way as the side which drew 0-0 with Turkey in Istanbul four years ago to guarantee a place at the Euro 2004 finals.
Terry said: "I'm fit and I'm ready for Wednesday. In training the other day, my knee locked up. The physios looked at it and a bit of bone has come away in my knee, a bit of cartilage that is floating about.
"It got caught under my knee which then flared up for a couple of days. But with the massaging and treatment I've had over the last few days, it has managed to dislodge itself.
"I will have to have an operation in the near future and it is a case of when and finding the right time to do that.
"But I'll be back playing within two or three days of having the operation - and there was no way I was going to miss this game if at all possible. I will be back playing almost as soon as I've had the surgery."
Terry made a great impression on that nervous night in Turkey and believes the current side can also enhance their reputations with a positive result.
He said: "This team can become heroes like the one in 2003 against Turkey. To qualify over here would be a great achievement against a really good Russian side.
"It is going to be very tough, a very hostile atmosphere and they showed at Wembley in parts that they will be a very difficult team.
"They're going to be pumped up after getting beaten at Wembley. It is a big challenge for us but we will be up for it. We know what is at stake."
Terry also wants Steve McClaren's side to give the nation a positive start for what he recognises as a momentous few days, with the rugby side competing in the World Cup final and Lewis Hamilton bidding for Formula One glory.
He said: "Hopefully the team can set the tone for what is a big week for English sport with the rugby side and Lewis Hamilton.
"The rugby boys have been fantastic and we are hoping they can pull it off on Saturday and we also wish all the best to Lewis Hamilton.
"But it all starts with us and hopefully we will get the job done and not have to worry about the Croatian game."
