The decision was explained to Terry and England manager Fabio Capello by FA chairman David Bernstein in phone callsthis morning.

The FA said in a statement: “Following the decision to adjourn the court case against John Terry to July, the Football Association confirm he will not captain the England team until the allegations against him are resolved.”

Capello will be able to pick Terry for England friendlies and Euro 2012. Terry has been accused of racially abusing QPR’s Anton

Ferdinand, a charge which he denies, during a match at Loftus Road in October last year.

A spokesman for the player declined to comment this morning. It is the second time the Chelsea captain has been stripped of the

England armband having also lost it two years ago after allegations surrounding his private life came to light. Capello did not take part in the discussions on the captaincy but will choose Terry’s successor.

Rio Ferdinand had previously accepted the England captain’s armband when Terry was sacked as skipper two years ago, but was unhappy at the manner in which he lost the captaincy last year.

Ferdinand announced on Twitter: “I don’t want to be England captain after the last episode, just want to concentrate on playin for Utd&if I make the squad then as ever I’ll be delighted.”