Terry says England can win World Cup

England captain John Terry gave his international manager Fabio Capello a resounding vote of confidence yesterday on the eve of the national team's friendly against Holland, claiming the team is capable of winning next year's World Cup in South Africa.

"Everyone's playing freely and with confidence under the new manager and, if we can get to South Africa, every big team there will have a good chance and we'll be no different," said Terry.

"But we must continue to improve. We probably learned more in losing to Spain than we would have done going there and beating them, and there's no mental issue any more against the best sides."

Their opponents tonight are the only side to have already qualified from the European groups for next summer's tournament, although England are only a win away from claiming their place in South Africa.

WHAT THEY ARE SAYING
Oliver Kay, the Times: "There was a time when Terry, like all England’s players, seemed unsure about the Italian, who was appointed to pick up the pieces after the McClaren regime, but yesterday the captain sounded as if he was in awe of the manager. Owing to the huge influence that has been bestowed upon him as captain of Chelsea, Terry can appear to rival the authority of his manager at club level, but, having been made to sweat by the Italian on his reappointment as England captain in the first place, he and everybody else know who is boss when it comes to the national team."

Kevin McCarra, the Guardian: "Fabio Capello has not only transformed the England side but also introduced a revolutionary attitude towards friendlies. Against all modern practice, these have become key games for the national team. Gone are the days when it felt almost gauche to pay attention to such exercises. With the exception of the extraordinary rout of the World Cup qualifier with Croatia in Zagreb, these have been the truly instructive fixtures. Challenges are sought. Following losses against France and Spain, the manager has now taken his squad to meet Holland."

Henry Winter, Daily Telegraph: "For all the hype over the bright young things pushing through, Capello rarely uses untried prospects in competitive matches. Arsenal's Jack Wilshere is a contender but, like Kieran Gibbs and Jack Rodwell, must prove himself for his club this season. Of the other youngsters, Aston Villa's James Milner and Gabriel Agbonlahor should travel. Otherwise, the squad will comprise familiar faces like James, Beckham, Michael Carrick, Gareth Barry and Matthew Upson. If Michael Owen proves himself for Manchester United he will be on the plane - and Owen has never let England down in a World Cup." ·