Europeans baffled by fuss over Terry’s private life

February 8, 2010

Michel Platini’s Gallic shrug said it all. “I’m not bothered. What do you want me to say?” he said.

The UEFA President and former France captain had just been asked for the third time in a few minutes on England coach Fabio Capello’s decision to strip John Terry of the captaincy because of something which happened off the field.

Platini was speaking in Warsaw at a news conference and was supposed to be talking about the qualifying draw for Euro 2012, an event which involved all 53 of UEFA’s associations.

Instead, he found himself fielding questions on the internal problems of one single member.

“We have 52 other associations in UEFA. Everybody has their own way of doing things…Poland, Ukraine, Austria, Norway, Malta, Cyprus. The problem of the English is not the problem of Italy, of France.

“You have some funny problems in England, but fortunately you have an Italian to sort them out.”

Platini’s indifference is a fair reflection of what Europeans feel on the whole Terry saga.

Players’ private lives are generally not subjected to media scrutiny elsewhere in Europe and it is the amount of publicity dedicated to the matter, rather than the alleged incident itself, which has made headlines on the continent.

In many countries, the captaincy is not even a big deal, just a symbolic role which involves a few pre-match niceties and bonus of lifting the trophy should the team happen to win a competition — not a very likely contingency in England’s case judging by their failure to add to their 1966 World Cup win.

PHOTO: UEFA President Michel Platini answers questions during a news conference at the Palace of Culture in Warsaw February 6, 2010. REUTERS/Peter Andrews

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Tags: Austria, coach fabio capello, England, england coach, euro 2012, Europe, europeans, Fabio Capelloâ, fielding questions, France, gallic, indifference, Italy, john terry, Malta, michel platini, Michel Platiniâ, news conference, niceties, Norway, Poland, President Michel Platini, private life, private lives, reuters, scrutiny, shrug, symbolic role, Terry, third time, warsaw

John Terry stripped of England captaincy – your views

February 6, 2010

John Terry has been stripped of the England captaincy following revelations about his private life.

Here is England coach Fabio Capello’s statement:

“After much thought, I have made the decision that it will be best for me to take the captaincy away from John Terry.

“As a captain with the team, John Terry has displayed extremely positive behaviour. However, I have to take into account other considerations and what is best for all of the England squad. What is best for all of the England team has inspired my choice.

“John Terry was notified first. When I chose John Terry as captain, I also selected a vice-captain and also named a third choice. There is no reason to change this decision.”

That implies Rio Ferdinand now becomes captain.

Is the decision fair? Does it affect England’s chances in the World Cup?

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Tags: border, captain. Is, coach fabio capello, decision, England, england coach, england squad, england team, Englandâ, Fabio Capelloâ, Ferdinand, john terry, private life, revelations, rio ferdinand, statement, third choice, vice captain, World Cup

Terry dropped as England captain

February 6, 2010

John Terry was Friday stripped of the England captaincy following reports of an extra-marital affair with the ex-girlfriend of international team-mate Wayne Bridge, the Football Association (FA) confirmed.

The move followed a meeting between Terry and England’s head coach, Fabio Capello, at FA headquarters at Wembley.

In a statement, Capello said: “After much thought, I have made the decision that it will be best for me to take the captaincy away from John Terry.

“As a captain with the team, John Terry has displayed extremely positive behaviour. However, I have to take into account other considerations and what is best for all of the England squad.

“What is best for all of the England team has inspired my choice. John Terry was notified first.” Profile: John Terry

LONDON (AFP)

Tags: coach fabio capello, England, england captain, england squad, england team, ex girlfriend, extra marital affair, fabio capello, football association, head coach, john terry, John Terry LONDON, london, team mate, Terry, wayne bridge, Wembley

Terry could lose England role over affair

January 30, 2010

John Terry’s future as England captain was called into question on Saturday when British newspapers responded to reports about his infidelity by demanding for him to be stripped of the captaincy.

The centre-back, who also captains Chelsea, was named on Friday as the sportsman behind a gagging injunction involving his private life.

A judge at London’s High Court subsequently lifted the order and Saturday’s papers were full of accounts alleging that Terry had an affair with the ex-girlfriend of former Chelsea team-mate Wayne Bridge, Vanessa Perroncel.

The Daily Telegraph’s chief football writer Henry Winter, a prominent member of the England press pack, led the calls for Terry to hand in the captain’s armband.

“I like Terry, the one natural leader in the England dressing room, a player so passionately committed to the cause of St George that he willingly endures jabs just to get his stiff back through games, but this really is an embarrassment too far. It’s time for him to stand down,” Winter wrote.

His words were echoed by The Independent’s chief sports writer James Lawton, who said Terry’s misdemeanours would not be taken lightly by England coach Fabio Capello.

“Capello is the most strenuous of disciplinarians, a fanatic for professional rigour in all matters,” he said.

“Claims of carrying on an affair with a team-mate’s girlfriend is surely not Capello’s idea of the self-control and example and heightened sense of camaraderie implicit in the assignment.”

The Sun, the United Kingdom’s most popular daily, claimed that Bridge was so distraught by news of the affair that he was contemplating retiring from England duty.

“… Bridge told pals he did not even want to be picked for England’s next friendly match (against Egypt) in March,” read The Sun’s article on the affair.

“The Sun understands that not only is Terry’s betrayed best mate refusing to talk to the Three Lions skipper any more — but he is considering quitting international football entirely.”

Bridge played with Terry for six years during his time at Chelsea before leaving to join Manchester City in January 2009.

The left-back is widely expected to be called into Capello’s World Cup squad as cover for Terry’s Chelsea team-mate Ashley Cole.

Speaking at the time of Bridge’s departure from Chelsea, Terry said: “He’ll be missed. It’s a shame to see one of the lads go who you have grown up with and been with for a long time.”

Terry was named England captain by former England coach Steve McClaren in August 2006 and Capello confirmed he would continue in the role shortly after the Italian took charge in August 2008.

Current vice-captain Rio Ferdinand and his Manchester United team-mate Wayne Rooney have been touted as the favourites to replace Terry as skipper if Capello, a renowned disciplinarian, decides to strip him of the captaincy.

England begin their World Cup campaign against the United States in Rustenburg, South Africa on June 12.

LONDON (AFP)

Tags: british newspapers, coach fabio capello, Cole, daily telegraph, Egypt, England, england captain, england coach, fabio capello, football writer, friendly match, henry winter, international football, james lawton, john terry, london, Manchester, natural leader, rigour, South Africa, Steve McClaren, stiff back, team mate, Terry, three lions, United Kingdom, United States, vanessa perroncel, wayne bridge, wayne rooney

Diouf could scupper Owen’s World Cup race against time

January 18, 2010

Michael Owen’s quest to find favour under England coach Fabio Capello ahead of June’s World Cup finals may have got a little harder with the arrival of Senegalese striker Mame Biram Diouf at Manchester United.

In only his second appearance since joining from Norwegian side Molde, Diouf opened his United account with a well-taken header in Saturday’s 3-0 Premier League win over Burnley and has firmly installed himself as a rival for the precious substitute time Owen has so far enjoyed unchallenged this season.

The last time United went shopping at Molde they brought back Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who turned out rather well with 126 goals in 366 appearances.

The excitement manager Alex Ferguson has shown over Diouf in recent weeks has been reflected in decisions to use him ahead of Danny Wellbeck and Owen in last weekend’s 1-1 draw with Birmingham City, and again against Burnley.

Owen, forever ingrained in the memory of England fans for his stunner against Argentina in the 1998 World Cup, is desperate for playing time to have any chance of a seat on England’s plane to South Africa, but time and perhaps Diouf, are against him.

Owen’s Champions League hat-trick against VfL Wolfsburg this season made everyone sit up and take notice, with admirers only too keen to announce the boy was back in town and ready to make a first appearance since a 2008 friendly against France and a bid to add to his 40 international goals.

A place on the bench, tasked with the role of ‘supersub’ when England are yawning their way to a 0-0 draw with the United States, is a romantic prospect but there are 20-somethings such as Carlton Cole, Jermain Defoe and Darren Bent who arguably have a better case for inclusion.

Like many, I am a great admirer of Owen, but Diouf’s arrival may just spell the end of the former Liverpool striker’s unlikely bid for a recall.

Is Capello right to overlook him? Let us know your thoughts.

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Tags: alex ferguson, Argentina, biram, birmingham city, burnley, Carlton Cole, coach fabio capello, Danny Wellbeck, Darren Bent, Diouf, England, england coach, england fans, fabio capello, first appearance, France, Gunnar Solskjaer, international goals, jermain defoe, Liverpool, manager alex ferguson, Manchester, manchester united, michael owen, ole gunnar solskjaer, Owen, premier league, senegalese, South Africa, substitute time, supersub, vfl wolfsburg, world cup finals

‘Beckham is a great acquisition, just like last year’

January 7, 2010

David Beckham made his return for Milan on Wednesday night in the home match against Genoa (5-2).

Injuries to Alexandre Pato and Clarence Seedorf meant second-placed Milan had to start the Englishman further forward than usual on the right of a front three.

“He had a week where we tried him in every role in training,” coach Leonardo said after the match.

“I think that is the synthesis of what he is all about. He has an absolute willingness to help, extraordinary quality and tactical intelligence.”

34-year-old Beckham hopes to secure a World Cup spot during his loan spell at Milan. National coach Fabio Capello advised the Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder to continue his career in Europe.

Beckham produced some superb crosses, went close with a drive and worked hard defensively in front of Capello.

“Beckham, just like last season, has been a great acquisition,” Milan chief executive Adriano Galliani said.

“He earns very little from us. He came to Milan for all different reasons than money.”

Tags: acquisition, adriano galliani, alexandre pato, capello beckham, chief executive, clarence seedorf, coach fabio capello, crosses, David Beckham, different reasons, englishman, Europe, fabio capello, genoa, home match, leonardo, Los Angeles, los angeles galaxy, Milan, national coach, tactical intelligence, wednesday night, willingness, world cup spot

Beckham lauds Capello, passionate about England

January 4, 2010

England veteran David Beckham, keen to use his loan spell with AC Milan to boost his chances of holding down a place at the World Cup, on Sunday saluted coach Fabio Capello, whose “scary” personality he credited with revitalising the national team.

“He’s brought an arrogance – but in a good way. Players go onto the field confident, they believe they’re going to win, and he gives us that confidence,” Beckham said in an interview with BBC radio.

“He’s brought a real seriousness, a professional side which was needed. He scares you – in a ‘respect’ way,” said Beckham, drawing a parallel with former Manchester United mentor Sir Alex Ferguson, who “was a father figure to me.”

Beckham is hoping to make enough of an impression at the San Siro – as he did in a first loan period last season – to persuade Capello to keep him on board with England at the World Cup finals.

He gave up the captaincy after the last World Cup and then found himself dropped altogether under former coach Steve McClaren before winning a recall.

Now he hopes to play his way on to Capello’s teamsheet.

“I’ve always said that I always want to be available for England whether I’m in the team or whether I’m not I’m passionate about playing for my country – I’ve enjoyed every moment whether it’s been good or bad times,” he told the BBC’s Sportsweek programme.

There has been speculation as to whether Beckham may feature in a more withdrawn role at Milan this season under coach Leonardo but the veteran star is unconcerned – as long as he features somewhere.

“I’m sure he’ll put me somewhere in midfield when I do start – he’s not a manager and a person who’s going to put me out of position unless it’s really desperate.

“Throughout my career there’s not one team I’ve played for where I expected to start.

“I’ve just been lucky enough I’ve been picked for most (games).

“Everyone knows I’m prepared to work hard to be part of the England squad and I’m going to do that,” said Beckham, a frontline ambassador for England’s 2018 World Cup bid.

Regarding his fitness, Beckham said: “I’ve always looked after myself – ate the right things. I’ve always tried to look after my body – I want to play for as long as possible.

“There’s nothing special I do – I’ve got three sons who are full of energy so I’m chasing them around for most of the day! That’s the thing that probably keeps my fitness up more than anything.”

Top of Beckham’s club agenda is an impending Champions League last 16 tussle against former club United.

“Manchester United is so special to me and I’ve never been back as a player – it’s an experience I want to cherish. It’s going to be such a special and emotional night,” said Beckham, who admitted that he would have liked to spend his whole career at Old Trafford.

“But it just wasn’t meant to be.”

Looking forward to facing United – having not faced the club during his four years with Real Madrid – Beckham said his loyalties were clear.

“I’d like us to win. Us is AC Milan! But as a Manchester United fan I always want them to win in every game – but maybe not this one!”

LONDON (AFP)

Tags: ac milan, arrogance, coach fabio capello, coach steve mcclaren, David Beckham, England, fabio capello, father figure, former coach, leonardo, loan period, london, MADRID, Manchester, manchester united, midfield, Milan, professional side, San, san siro, seriousness, sir alex ferguson, speculation, Steve McClaren, world cup finals

Rooney takes England armband as Terry ruled out

November 14, 2009

Wayne Rooney captained England for the first time here on Saturday after regular skipper John Terry was ruled out of the friendly clash with Brazil with an Achilles injury.

Rooney, winning his 57th cap at the age of 24, was supported in attack by Sunderland striker Darren Bent, who was given the chance to press his World Cup case ahead of Peter Crouch and Jermain Defoe.

Head coach Fabio Capello handed an unexpected start to Manchester United’s Ben Foster in goal while Jermaine Jenas started alongside Gareth Barry in central midfield after Michael Carrick was ruled out with an ankle injury.

Everton’s Joleon Lescott replaced Terry in central defence in a line-up featuring only two of Capello’s first-choice line-up, Barry and Rooney.

Brazil had former Manchester City midfielder Elano in their starting line-up as part of an attacking midfield trio made up by Kaka and Nilmar, with Luis Fabiano operating as a lone striker and Felipe Melo and Gilberto Silva in the defensive midfield roles.

DOHA (AFP)

Tags: achilles injury, ankle injury, ben foster, central defence, central midfield, choice line, coach fabio capello, Darren Bent, Doha, elano, felipe melo, gilberto silva, jenas, jermain defoe, joleon lescott, luis fabiano, manchester city, Michael Carrick, peter crouch, Sunderland, Terry, wayne rooney

Rooney set for captain´s role in Brazil friendly

November 14, 2009

Wayne Rooney is poised to captain England for the first time in Saturday’s friendly against Brazil after an ankle injury left John Terry struggling to be fit to face the five-times world champions.

The injury forced Terry to skip his usual eve-of-match media duties and although it was Gareth Barry who stood in for him in front of the press, head coach Fabio Capello confirmed that Rooney would take the armband in the event of the regular captain failing to recover.

“If John Terry does not play, Wayne Rooney will be captain,” Capello said. “He is fit and I think he is ready to be captain.”

Capello’s faith in Rooney will come as a surprise to some given the forward’s impetuous streak, which was highlighted as recently as Sunday when he mouthed “12 men” into a television camera at the end of Manchester United’s defeat by Chelsea.

The implied slur on the integrity of match referee Martin Atkinson earned Rooney a rebuke from the Football Association but clearly has not caused Capello to question whether the Manchester United star is ready, at 24 and having recently become a father for the first time, for the responsibility associated with captaining his national side.

Capello maintained that England’s medical staff were confident that Terry would be able to play but, with his Chelsea team-mate Frank Lampard having already flown home, it is highly unlikely that the slightest risk will be taken with the defender’s fitness.

“He has hurt his ankle and we need to check him but I think he will be okay,” Capello said. “But if he is not 100 percent fit, he will not play.”

If Terry is ruled out, Bolton’s Gary Cahill looks set to win his first cap alongside Matthew Upson in the centre of defence with Wes Brown and Wayne Bridge at right- and left-back respectively.

Barry and Rooney will be the only representatives of Capello’s first-choice line-up involved in a fixture that the Italian admits would have been daunting for even his strongest side.

“It is the same in Italy, Germany or England,” Capello said. “There is always a big respect for Brazil. They have won a lot of titles and they always play well. They have a different style and players with a big imagination.

“That’s why it is so important to play against Brazil. We can learn a lot from this match.”

Instead of seeing how his best team can match up to the world’s top-ranked nation, Capello will be able to see how some of his back-up players respond to playing under the unforgiving spotlight of a match against Brazil.

Lampard’s absence will give Michael Carrick an opportunity to restate his case for a central midfield starting role while James Milner and Shaun Wright-Phillips are expected to fill the wide positions.

Saturday evening could be particularly significant for the right winger Wright-Phillips, who currently has Theo Walcott, Aaron Lennon and David Beckham ahead of him in the queue for places on the plane to South Africa.

Capello’s well-established reluctance to partner Rooney with Jermain Defoe means Darren Bent is likely to start up front.

In sharp contrast to the injury problems of England, Brazil are able to call on most of the players who put together a run of 11 straight wins before last month’s defeat by Bolivia in the thin air of La Paz, by which time they were already assured of topping the South American qualifying group for the finals.

Under the guidance of Dunga, captain of the 1994 World Cup winning side, Brazil have re-established themselves as the top-ranked nation in world football.

That has not spared him criticism from some of the most demanding fans on the planet that he has gone too far in sacrificing flair in pursuit of results.

But Lucas, the Liverpool midfielder, believes Dunga has got the balance right.

“Brazil have a lot of quality and skilful players but are also trying to defend well,” he said. “That is the key for any team and we will try to do that against England.

“Dunga has improved us a lot. He has tried to help all the players, we’re stronger tactically, he has improved everything.

“With Brazil, people expect you to play with skill and flair all the time but with Dunga we are looking to play as a team with everyone helping each other.”

DOHA (AFP)

Tags: 12 men, ankle injury, captain England, choice line, coach fabio capello, first cap, football association, Gareth Barry, Gary Cahill, head coach, john terry, martin atkinson, matthew upson, team mate, television camera, wayne bridge, wayne rooney, wes brown, world champions

England hit by Lampard injury ahead of Brazil clash

November 12, 2009

England’s preparations for their friendly clash with Brazil suffered a serious setback on Thursday when Frank Lampard was ruled out of the match with a thigh injury.

The Chelsea midfielder suffered a strain to his left thigh while training in temperatures above 30 degrees on Thursday morning.

After a lengthy assessment by England’s medical staff, it was decided he would leave Qatar and fly back to London immediately for further treatment.

Head coach Fabio Capello decided against calling up a replacement for Saturday’s meeting with the five-times world champions in Doha’s Khalifa International Stadium.

Lampard’s withdrawal further depletes an England squad which was already missing half of Capello’s first choice line-up.

Full-backs Glen Johnson and Ashley Cole, Rooney’s United team-mate Rio Ferdinand, Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard, goalkeeper David James and Aston Villa striker Emile Heskey were all unable to travel to Qatar because of various injuries.

Capello is also without Theo Walcott and Aaron Lennon and lost the services of David Beckham after his club, LA Galaxy, made the Major League Soccer play-offs.

The injury to Lampard could mean an opportunity for Tottenham’s Tom Huddlestone to make his first appearance for England, although Manchester United’s Michael Carrick represents a more experienced option for Capello to slot in alongside Gareth Barry in central midfield.

Jermaine Jenas is another possibility for that place while Shaun Wright-Phillips, James Milner and Ashley Young are all vying for roles on the flanks.

DOHA (AFP)