Terry was one of only three first-choice players at Capello's disposal in Berlin's Olympic Stadium but the fringe players starred in a 2-1 win.

Aston Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor was singled out for praise by Terry on his first senior appearance for his country but there were other encouraging performances.

Terry, who headed a late winner for England, said: "The manager has learnt an awful lot, not only on the pitch but around the camp with the younger players coming in.

"I said before the game that the younger players are fearless and a few of them showed that in Berlin. It is very encouraging for the future.

"We are playing well at the moment and, with the strength in depth we've got, not only with our first team regulars but also with the younger players pushing us and putting us under pressure.

"That is what they will do and, if they continue their form at club level, the manager will pick them so that is pressure on the more experienced players.

"It gives everyone confidence in the Premier League that, if they are playing well enough, they will get selected by the manager whether it a qualifier or a friendly."

Terry added: "I think some of the players grasped the opportunity the manager gave them and that is what we were stressing before the game, that it could be the one chance they get.

"They went out there and did that. They dealt with themselves and being around the squad very well and also on the pitch, put in the work-rate and the performance against a very good German side.

"We have to give them a lot of credit. I thought Gabby (Gabriel Agbonlahor) did fantastically well and let's hope he keeps that form going for Aston Villa and England.

"Even the boys who didn't get on have done well enough in training to maybe give the manager a problem in the future."

England have won eight and drawn one of the first 10 games of the Capello era during 2008 and Terry feels they are heading in the right direction and have also won back the support of the fans.

He said: "It has been a good year. We started slowly but we have gradually got our confidence back, got the fans back on our side, and got back to winning ways.

The belief in each other and the work-rate we have been showing for each other in the games is second to none. That is what we need to continue next year.

"No-one likes the fans against them and we did lose the confidence of our own fans. They are the best in the world and we saw that with the support they brought in Germany.

"We are progressing very well. We still need to keep our feet firmly on the ground and not get too carried away with ourselves.

"But the work-rate and commitment we show for each other at the start of games and at the end of games, when there are maybe a few tired legs, is really encouraging.

"That is something the manager stressed early on, when he first got the job. We have seen the quality we have got - individually and collectively as a squad of players. If we have got the work-rate and the effort as well, we are halfway there."

Terry also rubbished the suggestion that the game against the Germans was a meaningless exercise given the fact so many first choice players were absent through injury.

He said: "You can't tell me that when you saw the dressing room and how it was after the game. The players were delighted to make their debuts and win.

"To come here and beat a very good German side, an experienced German side as well, we will take a lot from that. I was still hurting from losing to them at Wembley 15 months ago and we all wanted to put that right."