Terry - Nothing to fear

England skipper believes Brazil and co are beatable

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 15th November 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Terry - Nothing to fear

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John Terry insists England will head to next summer's World Cup finals believing they are capable of beating anybody.

The Three Lions blazed a trail through their 2010 qualification campaign, claiming nine victories from 10 outings.

Expectations have risen considerably as a result, with many believing global glory in South Africa is now a distinct possibility.

Disappointing showings in friendlies against France, Spain and Holland have done little to dampen that enthusiasm, while Saturday's 1-0 defeat to Brazil in Doha has also passed largely unnoticed.

Fabio Capello was forced to field a shadow side against Dunga's Samba stars, with injuries seriously damaging his options, while the temperature in Qatar made it difficult for both teams to inject any urgency into the game.

National skipper Terry was forced to sit out the fixture with an ankle problem, but having watched on from the sidelines he claims he saw nothing from Brazil to suggest they are a class above England's strongest starting XI.

"I think they've got individual quality, in one-versus-ones situations, that can frighten any team. That is why they are ranked the best side in the world at the moment," said the Chelsea centre-half.

Credit

"We've done well in recent years and the likes of Joe Cole and Wayne Rooney can change a game just like they can.

"We are giving them a lot of credit for the win over us but the game had a friendly written all over it from the start.

"Even in training on Thursday and Friday the manager was stressing he wanted us to press more and the players were saying at half-time 'we'd love to but it is difficult' and the conditions were a little bit tiring.

"The players were saying afterwards it was difficult to keep that intense pressure on and I think in different conditions it might be different.

"But I don't think Brazil are anything to really worry about. They are a very good side, I am not saying they are not.

"We have to look at our own strengths and qualities and I think we can mix it with the best sides in the world. Listen, they've got their weaknesses, like we have."

Comments (4)

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Matt Attenborow (Manchester United fan) says...

I think we will be ok in the World cup if Capelo players strongest side which has to include Joe cole,But I would have to say Im worried about the defence- As Rio is having bad time We will get to Semi's tho

Posted 14:15 15th November 2009

Bob Caine (Portsmouth fan) says...

Bless J.T he has to say that doesnt he??!! 2nd STRING TEAM OR NOT....we had One, just One SHOT on target yesterday, and lets be fair Brazil are'nt known for their defence are they? Our trouble is we think we are better than we actually are, ive a sneaky feeling Brazil were toying with us yesterday, i believe they can, and will, when they want, CRANK IT UP SUDDENLY 5 more GEARS (if need be), WE ARE FAR TOO PERDICTABLE IN OUR PLAY, even more so when we are losing/chasing a game....Their defender Lucio (right-Footed) beat our man with glorious skill and shot frm 25yrds with his LEFT FOOT which beat B.Foster and came back off the upright, WHEN HAVE YOU SEEN One of OUR DEFENDERS do that??? TECHNICAL ABILITY..we have 3-4 players that have it..other teams have a full 11 men who have it....We are SEEDED 7th for a reason.....Under Capello weakened France, a weakened Spain, and now Brazil have beaten us and kept possesion for LARGE parts of the games, just like the Premiership we all know the usual 4 teams that can win it, we are just outside that unique bracket at World Level...Quarter Finals (if no penalty kicks arrive b4) after that it gets sticky...very sticky......also...we have no out-and-out striker like Owen, Lineker, and as normal The Goalkeeping position is dodgy......

Posted 14:06 15th November 2009

Andy Baker (Bristol City fan) says...

Yes, i think this shows that if we have a lot of injuries going into the world cup, then it will be time to worry, but if we have a full strength squad we should be ok, fingers crossed eh?

Posted 12:41 15th November 2009

Andy Bowley (Manchester United fan) says...

Totally agree with JT, England put out a shadow side in a game that had no real significance. Possibly only Rooney and Barry will start in the full strength team. It was a good chance for other to shine but that did not happen. Based on yesterdays performance lets hope we do not have too many injuries when the world cup starts.

Posted 11:21 15th November 2009
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