According to well-rehearsed stereotypes English defenders have been admired for their bravery, fitness and agility in the past but not always for their technical skill or positional sense.

However, Chelsea defender Terry expects England's performances in Germany to show the modern reality is very different indeed.

As captain at Stamford Bridge he has matured at an astonishing rate in the last two years, guiding his club to back-to-back titles and forcing his way into his national team in the process.

Now he is ready to re-new his partnership with Rio Ferdinand at the heart of an England defence that also includes Ashley Cole and Gary Neville and which could have called on Ledley King and Jonathan Woodgate were they not injured.

In fact, Sven-Goran Eriksson's defensive options are so numerous that Jamie Carragher -- a Champions League winner with Liverpool last year -- and Sol Campbell -- a Champions League finalist this year -- are struggling to find a way in.

"When I think of the best defenders in the world I tend to think of the English lads," insisted Terry, who was speaking at England's training camp here.

"I'm looking at the likes of Rio Ferdinand and Gary Neville. I always see these people day in day out in the Premiership and I rate them so highly.

"And I'm not just saying that because we're away with England at the minute.

"I think we have certainly caught up with Italy. I'm not saying there aren't world-class defenders out there, there's (Alessandro) Nesta and (Carlos) Puyol and people like that.

"And I've had the likes of Marcel Desailly and William Gallas with me at Chelsea and I've learned off Ricardo Carvalho as well.

"But certainly coming away with England and seeing Gary Neville and seeing how he works in training and after training is incredible. It shows it's not just about games it's about preparation."

Terry is so impressed with Neville that he believes the United right-back is a match for any winger in the world, and that includes Ronaldinho, who could meet England in a World Cup semi-final this summer if things go to plan.

He added: "Everyone says Ronaldinho the best player in the world, which I personally agree with. He's a very strong player, he's got great feet and is a great finisher. He scores goals, he's quick. He's absolutely got everything.

"But going into a game against him I don't think we would show him too much respect or let him get away with things.

"Paulo Ferreira marked him really well and got really tight to him when we played him with Chelsea. And against England he'd be up against the likes of Gary Neville, who is a fantastic world class player -- and I'm sure he'll know how to deal with him."

In fact, England's defence is so strong that head coach Eriksson could have a dilemma as he prepares for his team's opening game of the World Cup against Paraguay in Frankfurt on June 10.

With Sol Campbell coming through the Champions League final against Barcelona unscathed he has four top-quality centre-backs available for two positions.

"It's a good situation to be in," said Terry. "I hope I get the nod and if I do I'll give it everything.

"I think I have improved a lot since two years ago at Euro 2004. I've got two titles under my belt and a lot of experience in the Champions League, so I'm certainly feeling very confident."

Another England defender in confident mood is Carragher, who has just won the FA Cup Final with Liverpool in a mammoth tussle against West Ham, but he admits he could miss out to Terry and Ferdinand.

"They're two top players," Carragher said. "And at the moment I'm behind them. Hopefully before the World Cup or during the World Cup there'll be time and I'll play a part.

"But I've voted for John Terry as Player of the Year for the last two seasons and his performances speak for themselves. And Rio is another top player. It shows that England's defence is very strong."