John Terry believes England's ability to "keep it tight at the back" will have a massive bearing on their bid to win the World Cup.

Terry has confidence the forward power at coach Fabio Capello's disposal will always find the target despite the fact star man Wayne Rooney is on a run of just one goal in eight internationals.

And the Chelsea captain is confident the defence will come good in South Africa despite the concerns raised after the recent warm-up game against Mexico.

The Three Lions looked vulnerable during the first half against the central American team last week and conceded a sloppy goal in a 3-1 win.

The back four had more of an accustomed look about it in the final warm-up international against Japan in Graz on Sunday, with Terry reunited at the heart of the defence with Rio Ferdinand and left-back Ashley Cole back after a four game absence.

Glen Johnson did not have the best of games at right-back but Jamie Carragher looked more solid when he replaced his Liverpool team-mate for the second period.

Terry said: "The manager had stressed in the week that with the pace we have, the quality we have going forward, we're always going to create chances and score goals.

"It's up to us to keep it tight at the back. The goal we conceded against Mexico, and a couple of set-plays, are things we'll have to work on.

"But if we can keep it tight at the back, then we've got enough quality going forward which means we can always get a goal."

He added: "It's been a while since we've played together as a back four. Obviously I know Ashley and also Johnson from his Chelsea days, but myself and Rio have got a good understanding so when we slot in alongside each other, we know each other's game well enough.

"Jamie Carragher came on during the second half and did well, and I think as a back four or back five we looked solid."

Terry felt he benefited from his first game since the FA Cup final win over Portsmouth more than a fortnight ago.

He said: "It was a good run-out, especially after I missed the last game. But it was good for the whole squad, good for the manager to try new players and formations.

"In the last couple of games we didn't start as well as we could have done but it's eventually been good enough to win because late on you saw the fitness come into account. We came on strong and the fitness has shown."

Terry was impressed with the performance of Chelsea team-mate Joe Cole and hopes it will be sufficient to convince Capello he should be part of his final 23-man squad.

He said: "Joe has been very good. Towards the end of the season when we've needed big players, Joe Cole has been one of them at Chelsea.

"He scored a massive goal at Old Trafford and has done really well.

"The manager will make that final decision on whether to pick Joe. He's seen enough of Joe, what he's done in the last 10 days and against Japan, to know what he can do."