New Delhi: Chelsea and England captain John Terry believes that the 'fearless' youngsters have shown the regulars that their place in the first team is not secure.
England beat Germany in Berlin on Wednesday evening by two goals to one. Eight first-teamers were withdrawn from the squad due to injury though, but John Terry has issued a warning that if the standards set in the Olympic Stadium are maintained then no-one's place is secure.
Gabriel Agbonlahor was singled out by manager Fabio Capello, who commended the Villan's performance up top as he gave balance to the attack.
John Terry and substitute goalkeeper Scott Carson contributed to Germany's goal, as a lack of communication allowed Helmes to sneak in and roll the ball into the net, but Terry made amends for the lapse by scoring a late winner.
"The manager has learnt an awful lot, not only on the pitch but around the camp with the younger players coming in," Terry is quoted by the Press Association as saying.
Fearlessness of youth
"I said before the game that the younger players are fearless and a few of them showed that in Berlin. It is very encouraging for the future. We are playing well at the moment and, with the strength in depth we've got, not only with our first team regulars but also with the younger players pushing us and putting us under pressure."
"That is what they will do and, if they continue their form at club level, the manager will pick them so that is pressure on the more experienced players," he explained.
"It gives everyone confidence in the Premier League that, if they are playing well enough, they will get selected by the manager whether it a qualifier or a friendly. I think some of the players grasped the opportunity the manager gave them and that is what we were stressing before the game, that it could be the one chance they get. They went out there and did that. They dealt with themselves and being around the squad very well and also on the pitch, put in the work-rate and the performance against a very good German side."
He added: "We have to give them a lot of credit. I thought Gabby did fantastically well and let's hope he keeps that form going for Aston Villa and England.
"Even the boys who didn't get on have done well enough in training to maybe give the manager a problem in the future."
Five wins on the spin
The win in Germany extended England's unbeaten run in Berlin, ensured Fabio Capello's fifth successive win, and out of ten games under the Italian tactician, England have won eight, drawn one, and lost one.
"It has been a good year," The Three Lions skipper continued. "We started slowly but we have gradually got our confidence back, got the fans back on our side, and got back to winning ways.
"The belief in each other and the work-rate we have been showing for each other in the games is second to none. That is what we need to continue next year.
English fans the best in the world
"No-one likes the fans against them and we did lose the confidence of our own fans. They are the best in the world and we saw that with the support they brought in Germany," he exclaimed.
"We are progressing very well. We still need to keep our feet firmly on the ground and not get too carried away with ourselves. But the work-rate and commitment we show for each other at the start of games and at the end of games, when there are maybe a few tired legs, is really encouraging.
"That is something the manager stressed early on, when he first got the job. We have seen the quality we have got - individually and collectively as a squad of players. If we have got the work-rate and the effort as well, we are halfway there."
He went on to dismiss the notion that the fixture was a pointless friendly.
"You can't tell me that when you saw the dressing room and how it was after the game. The players were delighted to make their debuts and win.
"To come here and beat a very good German side, an experienced German side as well, we will take a lot from that. I was still hurting from losing to them at Wembley 15 months ago and we all wanted to put that right."
England now have an extended break until they meet Slovakia in the World Cup qualifying round in March 28.
More from Goal.comCalcio debate: The start of a Roma resurgence?Calcio debate: Legend Lippi’s record 31-match runFrench debate: Who will be better, Nasri or Gourcuff?
Comments
0 comment