Source: Team_Talk
Capello backs 'good' JT decision
Fabio Capello has backed John Terry's decision to stop playing until he has recovered from a nerve problem in his right leg.[LNB] Terry is fearful he could be sidelined for months by the injury, that has prevented him joining up with Capello's squad ahead of England's friendly with France on Wednesday.[LNB]Capello has seen at first-hand the distress Terry has been in at times and privately questioned whether the Chelsea skipper was fit enough to play.[LNB]Now the 30-year-old has made his momentous decision, Capello is a relieved man.[LNB]"It is a good decision," said Capello. "I read he will be out for a long time but he has played a lot of games with an injection.[LNB]"I spoke with him a few times and asked him whether he was fit to play. You can't play with injections all the time. It is impossible."[LNB]As recently as the weekend, it was being suggested Terry's commitment to the England cause was in doubt.[LNB]Capello never had any fears despite the strain that was put on his personal relationship with the player after he stripped him of the captaincy earlier this year, and then slapped him down after his infamous and outspoken press conference during the World Cup in South Africa.[LNB]The Italian knew the truth of Terry's situation.[LNB]"He didn't play because he wasn't fit. Now you know why," he said.[LNB]Terry has managed just 45 minutes of action for his country since the World Cup and his place will go to either Phil Jagielka or Joleon Lescott at Wembley tomorrow.[LNB]Elsewhere, it promises to be a more youthful starting line-up, although a couple of unwanted injuries have created a bit of a headache.[LNB]Jack Wilshere was packed off back to Arsenal for treatment on an injury he collected in Sunday's win at Everton once it became apparent he would play no part in this morning's training session.[LNB]The news is a blow because the 18-year-old was virtually certain to start as he continues to transcend the England senior and Under-21 squads.[LNB]Joe Hart has already made that journey and was expected to start for the fifth game on the trot until he hurt his back in a seemingly innocuous catching session.[LNB]Ben Foster and Robert Green gathered round as Hart underwent treatment on the sodden surface before the Manchester City star was ushered off the field in obvious pain.[LNB]At that stage, there seemed no chance of Hart being involved, only for Capello to offer up a positive assessment less than two hours later.[LNB]"We must wait but we don't think it will be a big problem," said the Italian.[LNB]At least Andy Carroll was able to train for the first time after reporting for duty with a groin injury which was initially thought would prevent him from winning his first cap.[LNB]But Capello revealed the Newcastle forward is fit - and will start, one of three youngsters in the England starting line-up along with Kieran Gibbs and fellow debutant Jordan Henderson.[LNB]The Sunderland schemer has made rapid progress this term and was a pivotal figure in Stuart Pearce's Under-21 side reaching the European Championships.[LNB]"We have monitored him for a long time," said Capello. "We also saw him in a few games for England (Under-21s).[LNB]"He is a really interesting player because his movement is very good.[LNB]"He takes one touch, or two maximum. He runs a lot and can also switch the play very quickly.[LNB]"For this reason he will start tomorrow. I want to see the level of all these three young players against a tough team like France."[LNB]Although it could be argued England and France are approaching this fixture from a similar stage of their post-shambolic World Cup development, Capello views it slightly differently.[LNB]With a new coach in Laurent Blanc, Les Bleus took their time to find form but have now won three games on the trot and arrived in London with a very similar squad.[LNB]Capello is taking the experimental approach, in the belief the benefits will be felt years from now.[LNB]"It will be a really important test for us," said Capello. "France have some really dangerous players close to the box and they always go forward when they win the ball.[LNB]"I have to see how my young players perform against an important team like this.[LNB]"But these young players give me a lot of confidence for the future.[LNB]"They are not here because of injuries. They are here because they are the future of England."
