Milner: JT our leader on and off the pitch
In particular, he has been criticised for failing to notify axed skipper Rio Ferdinand of his intentions before they emerged into the public domain.
It was even suggested the Italian had caused a split in his own squad between those who wanted Terry back as their leader and others who did not.
However, Milner is adamant no such schism exists and that the Three Lions camp is firmly behind Capello.
“Absolutely,” said the Manchester City midfielder.
“The manager makes his decisions. We stand behind him, push on and improve.
“Everyone is happy for John Terry. It is disappointing for Rio but he is a top player and a great person to have in the squad. That is the unanimous feeling in the squad.”
It did not take long for Milner to outline the qualities that make Terry such a central figure in the camp.
“He puts his head in where a lot of people wouldn’t. He puts his foot in and wins tackles,” says Milner.
“He leads on the pitch but also off it. That is the biggest thing.”
England need to be united on Saturday as they can expect a hot reception in Cardiff when they head down the M4 on Friday, ahead of a game when only victory will be enough to sweep them back to the head of Group G.
Gareth Bale is one of the men England will have to watch. But Milner knows more about Wales’ other danger man, Craig Bellamy, whom he played with at Newcastle.
“I am sure he will just be his normal, quiet self,” laughed the Manchester City star.
“He is a great professional, who works very hard. He has a lot of ability and will be a real handful.
“No-one will be more desperate to win the game than him. It’s down to us to match that desire and workrate.”
With no injuries reported to the 26-man squad Capello named on Sunday evening, the gulf in class is evident once Wales’ best few players are taken out of the equation.
There is the derby factor, though, which Milner acknowledges makes this weekend’s test far harder than any normal meeting with a team bottom of their pool, without a point on the board so far.
“Obviously we know more about them, as they do about us because we have played for the same teams,” said Milner.
“Once that whistle goes everything is out of the window. It doesn’t matter whether it is your team-mate, your best friend or the best man from your wedding, you just try win the game.”
Having started four out of England’s last five internationals — he was suspended for the other — Milner is expected to be part of an England starting line-up that also includes Andy Carroll for the first time in a competitive international.
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