Crowd response delights Capello and Terry

Fabio Capello hailed the Wembley crowd for helping axed skipper John Terry get over his England heartache.

Terry was reduced to the role of foot soldier in the 3-1 win over Egypt last night, after Capello stripped him of the captaincy following the recent allegations concerning his personal life.

After some early booing, the England supporters rallied behind Terry and by the final whistle were treating the Chelsea star to their usual enthusiastic reception.

“Thank you to the crowd,” said Capello. “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. When I chose him as captain I knew the value of him as a player.”

Terry was pleased that the crowd’s reaction to him improved during the match.

Terry said on BBC Radio Five Live: “The way they supported me tonight and got behind me was fantastic, I really appreciate that.

“Obviously there were a few jeers but I can handle that and they’re fully entitled to their opinion.”

Egypt took a first-half lead through Mohamed Zidan, but goals from substitutes Peter Crouch, who scored twice, and Shaun Wright-Phillips turned the match in England’s favour.