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Capello praises 'fantastic' Terry

ESPN staff
March 4, 2010
John Terry's display earned praise from manager Fabio Capello © Getty Images
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Fabio Capello feels John Terry came through a stern examination with flying colours, as England battled back from a goal down to beat Egypt 3-1.

Terry was in the spotlight at Wembley, with the clash with the Pharaohs being his first appearance outside of Chelsea colours since revelations about his private life were made public.

His first touch earned a chorus of boos but he produced an assured display which won over the Wembley faithful and earned praise from the England coach.

"Thank you for the crowd," Capello said. "They supported the team and John Terry. This was a most important game for him after what happened outside the pitch.

"He played a fantastic game like I know he can do at this level. When I chose him as captain I knew the value of him as a player."

Peter Crouch stole the show after climbing off the bench to net a second-half brace and he is hoping to have handed Capello food for thought.

Peter Crouch was the headline maker with two goals

"Anyone who plays for England is going to feel under pressure, certainly in a World Cup year," Crouch said. "You can only try to do your best and I did. It's up to the manager. All you've got to do when given your chance is try and take it and I've given the manager something to think about."

Capello is in no doubt as to Crouch's qualities and claimed he opted to partner Wayne Rooney with Jermain Defeo in order to plan for the World Cup finals.

The Italian said: "Peter Crouch is in one good moment of form. He played very well but it was not only he who played very well. All the team played a good game. Crouch is one of the important players and he has played a lot of matches for me. He is in an important moment of form but when I select the squad I will tell you all the players can play.

"I wanted to see today what happens with Rooney and Defoe. I know what happens when Rooney is with Crouch and Heskey and Carlton Cole. It is important for the World Cup to see how they can play together.''

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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