It is late in the evening of July 11 and England have just beaten Germany 5-4 in extra time to win the World Cup.

Forty-four years of hurt have been vapourised by the heroics of Capello’s lions inside the Soccer City Stadium, Johannesburg, victory clinched courtesy of an injury-time 35ft free-kick from David Beckham, playing on crutches.

It’s the greatest sporting achievement in living memory for many Englishmen and women, topping Kevin Keegan’s gutsy performances in Superstars. And who should step forward to lift the gleaming trophy but, err, John “I Am As Stupid As I Look” Terry. Just think of that image ingrained in the national consciousness: Captain Terry, sporting legend, English icon. It’s just not right, is it?

There are so many reasons why Terry should be stripped of the captaincy, including his ridiculous haircut. His predecessor may have flaunted some iffy barnets but Becks never took to the field of play with a spiky bog brush on his head. Recent events have borne out, however, that Terry’s toilet-cleansing hairstyle may be the least offensive thing about him. I do not subscribe to the belief that footballers should be hailed as role models. But I do expect them not to have it off with a team-mate’s ex – the mother of that player’s child – especially when they are married with children of their own.

If, as has been alleged, Terry had a sexual relationship (I think John probably has another term for it) with Vanessa Perroncel, a one-time undies model and former squeeze of Wayne Bridge, then there can be no question of him carrying the captain’s armband.

It has been rightly suggested that Terry’s retention of the honour would undermine squad unity. But there is something else to consider: and that’s the fact that the whole sorry affair is just plain disgusting. It’s beyond grubby.

Terry, as far as I am aware, has not pledged his undying love to Ms Perroncel, although he is alleged to have paid for her to have an abortion. Nice touch that, the romantic equivalent of shaking an opponent’s hand after going in with studs.

Actions have consquences and sleazy footballers should be held to account. Terry needs England. It’s not the other way round.