England coach Fabio Capello expected to grill John Terry about the captain's alleged affair with Wayne Bridge's former partner Vanessa Perroncel
England coach Fabio Capello expected to grill John Terry about the captain's alleged affair with Wayne Bridge's former partner Vanessa Perroncel
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Terry's position within Capello's squad has been the subject of intense scrutiny since a gagging order that prevented details being reported of an alleged affair with the former girlfriend of Wayne Bridge was lifted last Friday.
None of the parties involved has made any public statement on the matter beyond the FA's declaration that Capello would have the final say.
Back at work
Now back at work following major knee surgery which has required extensive rehabilitation at his home in Switzerland, Capello wants the matter sorting out ahead of Sunday's Euro 2012 draw in Warsaw.
So, after taking initial soundings from his trusted assistant Franco Baldini, who has already prepared the groundwork, Capello seems certain to meet Terry todayu00a0 before deciding his next course of action.
A private dressing down may await the Chelsea skipper who has been hoping to lead England to World Cup glory in South Africa this summer.
But in their statement, the FA emphasised that Capello would reach his decision on "footballing grounds".
Witch-hunt
The only member of the England coaching team who has put his head above the parapet so far, Stuart Pearce, used the phrase "witch-hunt" and appeared to link it with the situation Terry currently finds himself in.
If Capello comes to the same conclusion, Terry will remain in his post.
Should he feel there is substance to the claim that being captain of England brings with it a greater obligation as a role model, the 29-year-old is in trouble if he admits the allegations involving him are true.
Bridge conundrum
Bridge's position will also be taken into account.
The 29-year-old Manchester City left-back, who is due to make his comeback after a long-standing knee injury at Hull tomorrow, could quite easily tell Capello he has no wish to be in the same squad as Terry.
On pure ability and importance to the England squad, any decision about who to take would be a no-brainer.
However, that would leave Bridge out in the cold, and under the circumstances that hardly seems fair.
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