England and Chelsea captain John Terry has insisted friendly internationals are "still massively important".

He has leapt to the defence of the players who have pulled out of Fabio Capello's squad for Wednesday's clash with Germany.

Capello will only have four first-choice stars at his disposal in the Olympic Stadium after the likes of Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferdinand, Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard were forced to withdraw because of injuries.

But Terry is adamant the game is still of relevance, with the likes of Gabriel Agbonlahor and Ashley Young set to be given a chance to stake their claim to play a bigger part in Capello's plans for the World Cup qualifying campaign.

Terry, who has fully recovered from a foot injury to lead the side, told PA Sport: "These games are still massively important - especially coming here to play the Germans who beat us 15 months ago at Wembley.

"That setback is still in the back of my mind, losing in front of our own fans to Germany given the history between the two sides over many years.

"We also know how massive the game will be for the 7,000 fans who are travelling here plus the many more back home who will be watching the game.

"I can assure you the game certainly means a lot to us as players. I know there are a couple of injuries and a few people have pulled out, but the squad is coming here to win and the manager has stressed that from day one."

Terry added: "It is disappointing when people start questioning the commitment of the players. Playing for your country is the ultimate and Frank Lampard was willing to play with an injection.

"You want to go away and give everything for your country but what this game does do now is maybe throw up a few opportunities for some young players.

"It is a chance for people to shine, like the Aston Villa lads (Agbonlahor and Young), and give the manager a difficult problem for the future when he comes to select his side if they do well.

"The manager has shown anyway that people who are in form are going to get their call-up, like Darren Bent who has scored goals and is performing well for Tottenham.

"That is encouraging also for those kind of players hoping to make their mark."

Terry confirmed he was 100% fit after having a scan on Sunday morning following the foot injury suffered at West Brom the previous day which forced him to be substituted in the closing stages of Chelsea's 3-0 win.

He said: "I picked up a knock in the 86th minute and, to be honest, I initially thought I had broken a bone in my foot again.

"But I had the scan, I am 100% fine, I've trained with the team and there is no problem at all."

Terry admits games against Germany will always carry extra significance given the history between the two sides.

He said: "You go back to the World Cup final of 1966 but in my time, the 5-1 win over Germany in Munich really sticks out. That was a fantastic night for English football.

"It made the front and the back pages of all the papers the following day and we all realise the importance of the fixture.

"Everyone involved here this week is coming here to win the game and we know the relevance of the game for everyone.

"There is no such thing as a Germany-England friendly given the history of the fixture."