Woody calls for England unity

Tottenham defender urges fans not to jeer

Last updated: 29th August 2008

Jonathan Woodgate England Tottenham Spurs

Woodgate: Advice for supporters

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Jonathan Woodgate has pleaded with England supporters to get behind the team during their World Cup qualifiers.

England turned in a disappointing performance as they drew 2-2 with Czech Republic last weekend, but Woodgate does not want fans to dwell on the negatives.

Fabio Capello's men take on Andorra next Saturday in their first competitive match of 2008 and Woodgate feels it is important for players and supporters to get closer if England are going to be successful.

"I think we've all got to be a unit - the players and the fans and everyone in the team has to be together, all pushing in the right direction," Woodgate said in the Daily Mirror.

"The last thing you want is people booing the players. You have to put up with it but it doesn't help.

"What we all want is to qualify for the World Cup in 2010 and there would be a lot of disappointed people if we didn't make it - especially the fans.

"Hopefully we can all pull together and produce the results. But we need everyone on our side, especially now."

England were jeered when they struggled to beat Andorra in Euro 2008 qualifying and Woodgate does not want the supporters to put the players under the same pressure.

However, he does accept that the players also have a responsibility to inspire those in the stands.

"It's important for them to get behind us and be our 12th man," explained the Tottenham defender.

"We have to give them a foundation to get behind us but if we're not doing well we need the fans help - and believe me they can help."