London: John Terry is facing calls that he should be stripped of the England captaincy and suspended from international football until after his racism case has been heard in July.

The FA were presented with the scenario they most feared on Wednesday when Terry's trial for allegedly racially abusing Anton Ferdinand was adjourned until July 9 — after the European Championship.

Jason Roberts, the Reading striker and BBC pundit, immediately said the England dressing room would be "toxic" if Terry was captain this summer.

FA officials desperately wanted the situation resolved before the tournament and it is understood the issue will be discussed at the next board meeting on February 23, six days before England play Holland in a friendly at Wembley.

The board are divided and on Wednesday night the FA would not rule out Terry having the captaincy taken away for the second time.

Roberts tweeted: "I do not believe that the England Captain should go to the Euro's....!

"The Dressing room at the Euros will be TOXIC unless the correct decision is made..!!!"

He added: "Innocent until proven Guilty ... I have also noted that Woodgate and Bowyer were suspended from England Duty pending Assault Charges."

He can't lead the nation

Piara Powar, the head of Football Against Racism in Europe, echoed those views.

He said: "Innocent until proven guilty. But should John Terry remain England captain through the Euros?

"The seriousness of the allegations means that he can't lead the nation.

"To be captain means to be the leader. You have to take everyone with you. Removing the captaincy does not prejudice the case."

Up to now, the FA have stood behind Fabio Capello's view that his captain is innocent until proven guilty, and Terry led the side against Sweden in November.

Significantly, however, after Wednesday's development they would not confirm that he will retain the captaincy for the rest of the season.

Terry did not attend the first hearing in the case at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Wednesday. His barrister, George Carter-Stephenson QC, entered a not guilty plea.

Terry, 31, is accused of a racially aggravated public order offence over an alleged offensive comment at QPR defender Ferdinand during a Premier League match at Loftus Road on October 23.

Terry faces a fine of up to £2,500 if he is convicted, but more importantly his reputation and career could be left in ruins.