Kenny Sansom told Sky Sports News that boredom can't be an excuse for England's poor displays.
Sansom questions Capello's style
Former England defender Kenny Sansom says boredom cannot be used as an excuse for England's poor World Cup performances.
After two disappointing draws from their opening games against the USA and Algeria, England's players have commented that they are finding it hard to kill time in between matches in South Africa.
John Terry admitted on Sunday that there was "a little bit of boredom kicking in", but Sansom - a veteran of the 1982 and 1986 World Cups - says the players need to take responsibility and keep their spirits high.
"I think it's an excuse," Sansom told
Sky Sports News.
"You can do so much for the players, but I think the players themselves have to do a little bit for themselves to calm their boredom.
"They've got phones, games, the Wiis and all of them sort of things with them. They've got lots of things to do, but it's about how you do it as an individual.
"It's not boredom as a group, but because about eight of the players haven't performed the way they can then the excuse of boredom might be coming out.
"I don't blame them because what else do you say? 'I'm playing badly?'
"I think they should be enjoying it. Put a smile on your face, have a bit of fun and enjoy your three or four weeks out there - and hopefully you're out there for a long, long time by getting to the final."
Tension
Sansom also called on Fabio Capello to mix with his players more in order to lighten some of the tension around the England camp.
Sansom explained that the England managers he played under - Ron Greenwood and Bobby Robson - would socialise with their players, in contrast to the apparently aloof style of Capello.
And Sansom says having a connection with your players is important because it eases pressure.
"In my opinion it matters massively," he continued.
"You couldn't get the hump with Ron Greenwood. He's such a nice calm bloke and he hated telling you that you were dropped, he was that nice.
"He'd walk over slowly in training and just have a quiet word on the training pitch. He did it to me and I accepted it with a smile on my face. Not a problem.
"We all know what Bobby Robson was like and what a fantastic guy he was. He made everyone relaxed - the only time you got the hump with Bobby Robson was when he forgot players' names! But it was fun and relaxing. There was no pressure put on you as an individual, which I think helps.
"The manager's got to talk to his players. It's crazy to think that he would walk past and not talk to anyone and go on his own way.
"With Bobby or Ron, if you wanted to go for a game of golf and they fancied a game, they'd say 'let's go together'.
"I think it's important that you mix with your players - not only on the training pitch and during the match, but at other times.
"I think that's important, but a manager's got his own style. If it works they're a hero, if it doesn't they get the sack."
