Sunday, June 20, 2010

World Cup 2010: England set to for clear-the-air talks

England manager Fabio Capello will hold a meeting with his players on Sunday to discuss Friday's 0-0 draw with Algeria.

Former captain John Terry insisted the squad would be free to air their views - and dismissed reports of discontent within England's World Cup camp.

Terry revealed: "We've got a meeting tonight to see where we went wrong.

"Everyone needs to get off their chest exactly how they're feeling. If it upsets him [Capello], or it upsets any player, then so be it."

The pressure is on England after disappointing draws against the United States and Algeria in their opening Group C matches.

Capello's men must now beat Slovenia in Port Elizabeth on Wednesday to be sure of a place in the last 16.

Newspaper reports on Sunday suggested unhappiness at Capello's style is rife among his players, and that his future could be in doubt.

Responding to those reports, Terry stressed that the squad were "fully behind" their 64-year-old Italian manager.

The Chelsea defender added: "I have seen a few reports myself. There is no unrest in the camp at all.
"I'm not going to sit here and question the manager. I'm here on behalf of all the players to say we are all fully behind him. Everyone is positive."

Capello's insistence on naming his line-up two hours before kick-off has come under scrutiny, and his man-management skills have also been questioned.

But Terry stated: "Since the manager has come in he's had his ways and his philosophies that he's brought to the side.

"That's worked in the [qualifying] campaign and nothing should change from that. We've got to stay unified.

"I've read things about people playing with fear. At any level there's a certain amount of nerves, but I can honestly say that all that's gone once we cross the white line. We can't use that as an excuse - we just haven't done it.

"We shouldn't be looking at excuses or criticising the manager. We're supporting him and know we've got his support as well, and that's the main thing.

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