FAB-ULOUS FOR ENGLAND'S MORALE

CAPELLO: With the man he axed, John Terry

Three Lions can become stronger in adversity

06/02/2010

THERE is no way Fabio Capello could allow the chaos around the issue of John Terry's captaincy to continue.

In sacking Terry, Capello has done the right thing by focusing on team morale as much as any moral issue.

It could yet prove a decision that, come the World Cup, will be seen as the catalyst that helped England march the extra mile.

A by-product of the whole Terry saga could be to cement a siege mentality in the squad.

While many players may have felt that Terry couldn't continue in the role of captain, he will be welcomed back as a foot soldier with open arms.

The players will now put on the blinkers, blame the press and claim there is a conspiracy against them.

It's a crass and convenient excuse but when it has happened before, a sense of defiance has proved an inspiration for England.

In 1990, the team went into the tournament rocked by the scathing way in which news of Bobby Robson's decision to accept a job in Holland had been treated.

The mood of the players was further darkened after allegations of a three-in-a-bed romp with an Italian girl.

Yet instead of tearing the team apart, a sense of greater camaraderie grew and so did England's performances.

Despite the semi-final defeat to Germany, the team were welcomed home as heroes.

It was a similar theme at Euro 96. After criticism of a booze-up on a warm-up trip to Hong Kong, the squad were condemned for wild antics on the flight home.

Manager Terry Venables was adamant the identity of the players who had trashed seats would not be revealed. Instead, the whole squad shouldered the blame.

Just as in 1990, the siege mentality proved a positive force. Even though it ended in semi-final tears, the public and press were won over by the players' pride and passion.

It shouldn't need a series of seedy allegations to stir the spirit, but triumph out of adversity is a common theme in English sport.

And the Three Lions seem to roar loudest when they have been wounded and all players perform like captains.

Your comments

This article has 3 comments

I think someone needs to think very very very carefully about their next move...

IF or WHEN England don't win the world cup and you print reasons why, look no closer than yourselves...

Not accoutable for actions should you continue to sell Englands dignity in this way... To be VERY continued

By Joe Birchley.. Posted February 12 2010 at 8:12 PM.

Good comment from JT'S brother!!!
You can not drag up what has gone on in the past, we are talking JT and the alleged affair, unfortunatley for him it is in a world cup year and the press need someone to slate, all the other England players are angels poor old JT strayed.
Next year it will be Rooney, Milners,Hart, Lennon's turn to be slated by the press, its a fact build them up knock them down quicker the price of fame.
Pay me 100 grand a week and I would become a monk, but my past would be dragged up you can not win.
Accept it get on with it and score the winning goal in the FINAL.

By David.. Posted February 10 2010 at 12:05 PM.

Ok lets look at this .Has JT broken any football rules.Answer NO. His replacement Rio Ferdinand has he broken football rules Yes serving 8 month ban for missing a drug test.
The FA again show they have no clue....

JT should tell them to Shove it and stay at home

By wayne mace.. Posted February 7 2010 at 9:11 AM.

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