• England internationals

Capello grilled on Terry saga

John Terry has been backed by Fabio Capello © Getty Images

Enlarge

Related Links

• News: Terry set to learn fate on Friday
  
• News: Terry stripped of England captaincy
  
• News: There's nothing to fear - Capello
  
• News: Lampard says players were ready to defy poppy ban
  
• Profile: John Terry

Fabio Capello has reaffirmed his support for John Terry, with the England boss insisting the embattled Chelsea defender remains his on-field leader.

Terry is currently the subject of a police and FA investigation into allegations of racial abuse. Police are looking into claims the England captain racially abused QPR defender Anton Ferdinand at Loftus Road last month.

There was speculation that he would be left out of the England squad for the friendlies with Spain and Sweden, but Capello nipped that in the bud by including Terry. However, Terry will not start against Spain on Saturday - although Capello has confirmed his captain will lead out the team against Sweden on Tuesday.

Capello was put through the wringer by the media on Friday. He gave his support to Terry, but appeared flustered when asked why his captain and first-choice centre half would not start against world and European champions Spain.

"He is team leader because always he is important in the dressing room," Capello said. "He will play against Sweden, but tomorrow he will be on the bench. Like the other players, we can't play everybody, I have six substitutions."

Asked to comment on the Terry situation, Capello said: "For me John is innocent until proven guilty. Absolutely. I can't speak about this investigation."

Capello was then asked, 'Is he not captain [against Spain] because of those allegations?' The Italian replied: "I decided that he will not play this game against Spain because I wanted to see something different in the two centre-backs."

That answer did not satisfy sections of the press room, drawing the following response: 'Why experiment against Spain? Isn't it the wrong game in which to experiment?' Capello scratched around for an answer: "We will try to play a different style."

'Do that against Sweden,' pressed the reporter, 'not against the world and European champions.' A flustered Capello stated: "We're playing two good teams [Spain and Sweden], two different styles, but both games are difficult."

Still the questions continued: 'If there were no allegations against John Terry, would he still not have played against Spain?' Appearing agitated, Capello replied: "I decided everything before what happened. I don't like to speak about it."

Finally, in response to whether Terry would lead the team against Sweden, Capello said: "Yes."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.