England players must watch their Ps and Qs

By jay legate
February 24th 2010, 3:53pm

England boss Fabio Capello has told his players that their off-field actions will play a big part in whether they make the flight to South Africa for the World Cup

Capello sacked John Terry as England captain over allegations of an affair with Wayne Bridge's ex-girlfriend. Ashley Cole has also hit the headlines over his separation from wife Cheryl this week.

The Italian also said: "The players have to understand what I want, if you want to stay with me. It will be very important because we need to create a group."

The England boss will stress the importance of team spirit and discipline when he talks to his players ahead of England's friendly with Egypt on 3 March.

John Terry is keen to put the allegations behind him and insisted losing the England captaincy will not affect his attitude to playing for his country.

"I'm responding by doing what I've always done - by looking straight ahead. I've got broad shoulders and nobody's going to knock me out of my stride," The Chelsea captain said.

"I am strong enough and passionate enough to know I will carry on delivering my best for club and country.

Capello is keen to build morale before England start their World Cup campaign against the United States on 12 June and revealed he will discuss recent off-field events with his players.

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