In-depth: Will Sam Allardyce recall John Terry for England?

The Chelsea defender retired from England duty in 2012 having twice been stripped of the captaincy and was never considered an option by previous manager Roy Hodgson.

But, with 78 caps to his name, Terry - now considered a veteran at 35 - could make an unexpected return if Allardyce opts to offer him an opportunity to do so.

Allardyce said he would want to be fully aware of any lingering politics surrounding Terry's past, which saw him lose the captaincy first in 2010 following stories over his private life and again in 2012 after allegations he racially abused QPR's Anton Ferdinand, but the former West Ham and Sunderland boss revealed a conversation may take place in the future.

Allardyce: "I don't know what the political side of that might mean, if there is a political side. I'll have to have that conversation if I feel that John Terry may be a possibility. I think it depends on what John said. Maybe if I get the opportunity, I might have to give him a ring. But until I come to that selection or that process, we'll wait and see."

Our view: It's understandable for Allardyce to consider Terry given England's lack of defensive leadership, but a recall seems unlikely and potentially divisive. England are building towards the 2018 World Cup when Terry will be 37 - and given the player's innumerable run-ins with the FA it's doubtful he would even want to return.

Allardyce: "It is a big concern (Joe Hart being frozen out by Manchester City) We want as many players as possible in their club's first team that join up with the squad, then go on to play for England and be successful."

Our view: Well yes, it's a concern. Hart will be in Allardyce's first squad, but it's inconceivable he will keep his place with England long-term unless he is playing regularly. With Jack Butland out injured, that makes Fraser Forster the next cab off the rank.

Allardyce: "The difficulty is (Marcus) Rashford’s not playing. It makes it harder for me to select him, as exciting as he was last year, bursting onto the scene. I could say ‘go and play for the Under 21s’ get used to international football there and that will help you eventually break into the Manchester United team and eventually the England team."

Our view: Rashford's fearlessness made him one of the few England players not to underperform at Euro 2016 - but that was underpinned by some startling displays for Manchester United. With plenty of alternatives up front it's hardly surprising that Rashford looks set to be left out.

Allardyce: "We don't want potential, do we? I want the thing, and right now. Potential is something that's going to be great in the future. I want it right now and I think he's got a great chance of becoming right now working with Manchester City ... You don't realise he (Guardiola) does focus quite a lot on defending - not just winning the ball back. (Gerard) Pique was a little similar at Man United until he went to Barcelona then he became a good defender as well as a great attribute for Barcelona in possession."

Our view: Allardyce is right that, as manager of the senior England team, he needs performances not potential. But what sounded like a warning to Stones softened considerably when he went to compare him to Gerard Pique. The message is simply that Stones has to perform - but if he does, he'll surely be a part of Allardyce's England.