Terry apologises over mutiny talk

Former England captain John Terry apologised on Tuesday for the criticism of coach Fabio Capello that led to talk of a players mutiny, DPA reported.

Terry made a series of comments on Sunday that suggested England players were about to revolt against Capello's strict regime, and called for his Cheslea team-mate Joe Cole to come into the side for Wednesday's crucial Group C match with Slovenia.

When it became apparent Terry did not have the support of the squad, he decided against airing his criticism at a team meeting on Sunday evening, and Capello subsequently described his outburst as "a big mistake".

"I went into (Sunday's) press conference with the intention of being honest," Terry told the Daily Mail. "I was asked a question about Joe Cole and maybe I went too far.

"But it was never my intention to upset the manager or the players and if I did upset anyone, I apologise. I have told the manager he has my total support and I would like to stress that I don't believe I have been a disruptive influence in the camp."

Terry will start alongside Matthew Uposn in central defence against Slovenia, and insisted he is fully focused on that game.

"I would now like to put this episode behind me and concentrate on trying to win what is a massive game for England," he said. "All I was trying to do was to say how important it is to me to try to win the World Cup.

"I just hope people at least appreciate that I have taken the time to call you and have asked you to report what I have to say in response."