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Bobby Zamora has urged the Wembley crowd not to abuse John Terry tonight, insisting he doesn't deserve to bear the brunt of fans' anger for England's disastrous World Cup.
Zamora is set to win his first cap but fears his experience will be overshadowed by the boo-boys taunting the World Cup flops during the match against Hungary, with Terry expected to be their main target.
The former national captain was accused of upsetting squad harmony in South Africa and questioning Fabio Capello's authority during a press conference he gave following the woeful goalless draw with Algeria.
Terry was also heavily criticised for his display in the 4-1 loss to Germany, which saw England crash out after their heaviest ever defeat in the finals.
There were calls for Terry not to be selected for tonight's friendly but Fulham striker Zamora is adamant the Chelsea skipper was right to keep his place and shouldn't be victimised.
“John is still a top defender,” said Zamora, who has been close friends with Terry since they played together as kids at Senrab. “Everyone has their own opinion but it is down to one man, that's the manager and he makes all the decisions. John is a massive figure in the squad and a great player. He has won so much. For whatever reason people want a target and someone has got to take it, that's the way it is.
“Unfortunately, a few people will be targeted tonight, I hope it's not John but that's the way it is. We will be looking to put in a good performance and hopefully silence a few people.
“Much was made of what he said at the World Cup but John was speaking from the heart and he just wanted England to do well. They had gone all that way out there and were away from their families for a very long time, they wanted to win games. I suppose that was the way he tried to voice it.”
Terry's form, in a pre-season which has seen Chelsea lose four consecutive games, has given his critics more ammunition.
But Zamora said: “This is a tough time of year when you're doing two training sessions the day before matches. I've played this pre-season with tired legs because of the amount of work I've put in, you can't put in great performances but that's what pre-season is for.
“Everyone is on his and Chelsea's case at the moment but I am sure in a couple of weeks they will be top of the table.”
Reader views (7)
why should i allow my son to play for england? Am a foreigner but bringing up my son here in england. According to his coach, he will grow up to be one of england's best player. But why should i allow him to play for england? The way they treat their players!!!!
I have never come across a thing like this before!! VERY HILLARIOUS!!!!
- sandra, london, 12/08/2010 18:43
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"A man who subsequently proved he couldn't handle the biggest stage"
Are you referring to one of John Terry, Matthew "Capello, I am not better than Michael Dawson" Upson, Ashley Cole, Rio Ferdinand, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, Gareth Barry, Emile Heskey and Wayne Rooney?
- John Smith, London, 12/08/2010 01:26
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I'm sick of these constant moaning n booing of these english fans, these things only happen in england, when your country loses, you should never boo them, but back them n give your fan support, that itself would give them confidence, but when an english player steps on the pitch, there is unnecessary added pressure of their own fans... Its a shame, in sri lanka, we support our cricket team no matter how they lose, they only come back fighting stronger knowing they have their fans to back them... Englands biggest enemies are their own fans...
- Shaf, Colombo, 11/08/2010 19:26
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i am not a fan of john terry but when he plays for chelsea or england he gives one hundred per cent.
- paul., busted britain., 11/08/2010 18:14
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why will booing them be any good?
Think about it, u pay to go and watch england then u boo them?
The best way to show them your attitude towards their world cup performance is not to turn up at all. Hit the fa where it hurts - in the pockets.
As for capello, well we can blame him, eriksson, venables, keegan etc. The list goes on. We have not won the world cup since 66 so the only guy that can be called a success with england is sir alf ramsey
- North London, Berkshire, 11/08/2010 17:18
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Think they all know they will get stick tonight - better to do this in a friendly then put the whole thing to bed and move forward ........
- Melly, Cartagena; Colombia, 11/08/2010 16:19
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John Terry is an easy target as he is out on the pitch. The crowd should be directing their ire at a man who made noises about quitting after the World Cup and negotiated a new deal. A man who subsequently proved he couldn't handle the biggest stage. A man who shouldn't be England manager. Don Capello.
- Blue Baby, London, 11/08/2010 14:19
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