He could make a big difference. He's a great guy, tactically he is very aware, and he understands the game very well Terry on Mourinho as the potential next England manager

McClaren was sacked following England's failure to qualify for Euro 2008, and Mourinho has emerged as a favourite after saying he would consider the job.

And Chelsea and England captain Terry, who has met with Football Association chief Brian Barwick, said: "He is one that really stands out for me.

"Now it is down to the FA to contact him if they want to speak to him."

Barwick has vowed to seek the opinion of a whole host of leading figures in the game regarding potential candidates to take over the England manager's job.

Michel Platini, Franz Beckenbauer and Sir Alex Ferguson are among those he has already canvassed, and Terry admitted he had also met with the FA chief.

"I have had a meeting with Brian Barwick but that stays very private between me and him," he said.

606: DEBATE Mourinho is far and away the outstanding candidate to succeed Steve McClaren BBC Sport's Phil McNulty

"It was not just about managers but many things. But that will stay very private. I'm sure he will meet a few of the other guys as well but it is great to be consulted on these matters."

But it is clear Mourinho would enjoy the support of his former Chelsea charge should he be offered, and accept, the position.

Terry admitted he had exchanged words with Mourinho prior to the Portuguese's abrupt departure from Stamford Bridge but insisted there was no ill-feeling between him and his former boss.

The defender revealed he had exchanged texts with Mourinho last week and that they had recently spoken on the phone.

"I would happily work for Jose tomorrow," said Terry. "There is no problem at all between me and him. We said we had an argument that night, but it certainly had nothing to do with the decision to part company. That is why what was said was hurtful at the time.

"He texted me just the other day. 'Are you well?' 'How are the family?' 'How are the lads?' If he walked in through the door tomorrow, I'd shake him warmly by the hand."

"Jose came in and took us to a new level at Chelsea," added Terry. "I am very lucky to have worked with Jose - he is a fantastic manager and a fantastic guy.

"He could make a big difference. He's a great guy, tactically he is very aware, and he understands the game very well.

"He enjoys the day-in, day-out stuff with a club side so maybe it would not suit him, but you never know.