Bayern Munich star Hargreaves was booed by England's fans at the start of the World Cup but finished the tournament as one of the team's few success stories and has now nailed down a place in Steve McClaren's starting XI.

And England skipper Terry is one of Hargreaves' biggest fans, believing he compares favourably to Chelsea teammate Makelele, widely regarded as the world's finest holding midfielder.

"I think Owen Hargreaves has slotted in perfectly," Terry enthused following England's 5-0 Euro 2008 Championship qualifier win over Andorra on Saturday.

"You can compare Owen to 'Maka' at Chelsea. Like Maka he breaks the play up brilliantly. If anyone gets past him, then they still have us to beat in the defence but he is certainly not easy to get past."

Hargreaves biting presence in midfield had allowed England's more attack-minded players licence to roam, Terry said.

"I think the attacking midfielders appreciate having Owen in there as well, knowing he will sit back if we are on the attack," Terry said.

Hargreaves' midfield partner Frank Lampard was also full of praise for his minder. "Owen is playing very well. He is full of confidence. He is carrying on where he left off at the World Cup," Lampard said.

"He is breaking things up but also had a couple of shots on Saturday when he might have scored. It is great to see a player playing with confidence," he added.

England face Macedonia in their second Euro qualifier in Skopje on Wednesday.