Danny Mills bemoans John Terry absence

Former England defender Danny Mills believes that John Terry's decision to retire from international football will leave a "massive hole" in the squad.

The Chelsea skipper announced his retirement from international football on Sunday, but Mills has questioned whether anyone can fill his spot in the team.

"It's difficult. I don't think we have anybody of that experience, or of that ilk that is ready to step into John Terry's shoes," Mills told the BBC.

"There was a time when England had supposedly an abundance of centre halves, probably as John Terry was emerging - Terry, Rio Ferdinand, Jonathan Woodgate, there was a real youthful development system for centre-backs.

"Now we have the likes of (Gary) Cahill, Phil Jagielka and (Joleon) Lescott. None of them have the experience at club or international level that Terry has. I don't think any of them are natural leaders like John Terry. He will leave a massive hole."

Mills made 19 appearances for England.