Terry just Fab as he wins fans over

IF FABIO CAPELLO learnt only one thing at Wembley last night, it is that John Terry is exactly the type of man England will need in South Africa if they are to finally end so many years of hurt.

The Chelsea defender has had a tough time of it recently, albeit largely down to his own stupidity. However, in the wake of all the criticism that has come his way of late, Terry appeared to win large sections of the home support over with a typically solid display at the heart of the defence.

For all his faults off the pitch – and he certainly has a few – on it, Terry seldom lets his team-mates down. Playing alongside an unfamiliar backline of Wes Brown, Matthew Upson and Leighton Baines, the former captain held England together during a sloppy opening half, and by the time the final whistle sounded, the jeers had turned to cheers.

They say what doesn't kill us makes us stronger, and if that is true, I wouldn't like to pick a fight with JT any time soon.

Lightning Theo in race against time

WHEN THEO WALCOTT bagged himself a hat-trick, not to mention the match ball, in the 4-1 qualifying win in Croatia, his place in England's World Cup squad seemed little more than a formality.

Sadly, due to a combination of poor form, and wretched luck with injuries, that place now appears in serious doubt. Walcott's performance against Egypt mirrored his career to date; a positive start culminating in mediocrity.

Of course, it's not Walcott's fault he has been injured, but with Capello only picking players who are performing consistently at club level for the national side, it is imperative the youngster begins to assert himself on a regular basis at Arsenal in the coming weeks.

Both Joe Cole and Ashley Young were left out of the squad entirely for the Egypt game due to a lack of form for Chelsea and Aston Villa respectively, and the bespectacled Italian has proved time and again there is no room for sentiment.

The injury to Aaron Lennon paved the way for Walcott's inclusion this time around, but with Shaun Wright-Phillips and James Milner impressing the Italian during their brief cameos, next time he might not be so lucky.

Wenger's fury understandable, but unfair

THE FACT Ryan Shawcross had never been sent off prior to the incident should have been enough for Arsène Wenger. If that didn't do it, then the sight of the young defender walking off the pitch in tears should have sufficed. Again, not for the Frenchman.

It goes without saying, that the tackle by Shawcross which broke the leg of Arsenal's Aaron Ramsey was mistimed, sloppy even. But for Wenger to say that the Stoke City defender intended to hurt Ramsey was outrageous.

Wenger deserves some sympathy; after all, following previous injuries in a similar vein to both Abou Diaby and Eduardo, he could be forgiven for thinking that the world and his wife are out to get Arsenal.

Sadly, however, in a physical sport such as football, accidents can happen. Call it what you want; coincidence, bad luck or something else entirely. Ultimately, though, the tackle which shocked the nation last weekend was simply an accident.