Capello Moves to End World Cup Split

It's the kind of spilt more usually associated with the French and Dutch squads, but it seems Fabio Capello has moved quickly to squash any discontent within the England camp.

Speaking to ITV, he described John Terry's decision to go public with concerns about the team's set-up as a "very big mistake" and the Chelsea man has already apologised.
This follows a team-meeting which Terry had insisted would be clear-the-air talks at which he would make his views heard. However, if reports are to be believed this turned into something of a Capello lecture and the centre-back didn't have chance to get a word in edgeways.

So just what drove Terry to make the comments he did? Well, clearly there was some sort of tension in the camp. After he first spoke out he received the backing of the press, who praised him for showing the leadership skills of a captain.

However, it quickly became apparent he did not have the backing of the squad and this is what put the kibosh on what some have dubbed a coup attempt. It's certainly not the kind of solidarity you see with successful World Cup teams.

To be fair on Terry, I'm not sure he was trying to undermine Capello. It may have been a consequence of his actions, but I don't think that was his main aim.

Admittedly, he misjudged the mood of the camp - some of the players had discussed their concerns over a beer after the match on Friday but it seems this was nothing more than the kind of post-work grumbling must people do. They certainly didn't expect the issue to be raised at a press conference.

Whatever Terry's motivation, Capello seems to have stamped out any dissatisfaction and not a moment too soon. England have slipped dramatically in the World Cup latest odds, and action needs to be taken.

With just over 24 hours left to their vital clash against Slovenia, England need to concentrate on football. Only the performance on the pitch will tell us who, if anyone, has full control of what's going on.