England must take French lessons

It's certainly been a difficult few days for the French camp at the World Cup. Left on the verge of elimination by a 2-nil defeat at the hands of Mexico. Now more stories of discontent in the squad, including Nicolas Anelka sent home for airing his views - too strongly, according to the French Football Association - to Raymond Domenech.

During the days of Sven and Steve in charge of England, there was always the accusation that the players had too much power over the selection and tactics of the side. Things seemed to have changed under Don Fabio, but once again a troubled England campaign is regressing into the ghost of failed tournaments past.

So, the England squad and management team are to hold a frank and honest expression of views. According to ex-captain John Terry, if the comments upset Capello or any of the players - so what? Whilst it appears Fabio has made wrong decisions so far (notably Shaun Wright-Phillips twice being used as an "impact substitute"), he must stick to his guns and the players must take responsibility.

Terry's 15 minute presser today started with the Chelsea defender toeing the party line..."We're fully behind the manager." But, the later the conference went on, the more apparent a divide in the England camp appeared. Terry ended the media gathering joking that some of the squad might be sent home for their comments to Capello. One begins to wonder how much tongue was in cheek when he said that.

England's plight is in no way as desperate as France's. A win against Slovenia, ranked 17 places behind England, and we're into the last 16 and a passage to the semi-finals begins to open up. But this England effort is now starting to show the frailties of the disappointment of Germany four years ago and also the disaster that was the "Wally with the Brolly".

For the first time in the tournament the manager, the squad and the fans must unite with a simple target - keep the dream alive until next weekend at least.