Terry, who was made skipper when Steve McClaren took over as coach in August, added: "I want to give it. We did it for the first couple of games under the boss, but it has stopped for the last couple of matches."
Croatia have never lost a competitive match in Zagreb but Terry added: "We feel this sort of game will bring the best out of us.
We're looking for pride, passion, attitude and character England coach Steve McClaren
"We've watched a couple of videos of Croatia. they are the sort of team who like to get at you rather than sit back - which is what we've experienced the last few games.
"With them coming forward, that's going to open up doors and alleys for us to break them down.
"I will be pumped up, and so will the other lads. It is a difficult place to come, but we are ready for the game."
Coach McClaren has called for England's players to prove their "pride and passion" in the match.
"The sign of a good team is the reaction after a disappointing result," said McClaren, who saw his team drop their first points of the campaign against Macedonia at Old Trafford.
"The reaction has to be positive. That's what I'm looking for.
"We're looking for pride, passion, attitude and character and I'll be picking a team that epitomises that."
McClaren said he already knows his team, providing "one or two niggles" clear up.
Reports suggest Scott Parker could win his first international start in a five-man midfield and while the England boss would not confirm this, he was full of praise for the Newcastle skipper.
"He has really impressed me in training this week," he said. "He has come on and matured in the last couple of years.
"He epitomises what the English game is all about: he can play, he can pass, he can tackle and he's got character and attitude."
If he plays, Parker will line up alongside former Chelsea team-mate Frank Lampard, who will win his 50th cap.