John Terry accused of lack of respect - Paul Parker blasts JT in Betfred interview
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Former England star Paul Parker has hit out at John Terry for showing a "lack of respect" for his Three Lions team-mates and manager Fabio Capello.
Parker, speaking to Betfred.com, has expressed his surprise at Terry urging England stars to air their grievances to the manager.
After the dismal draw against Algeria Betfred pushed England out to 10/1 (from 15/2) to win the World Cup, Parker said Terry would have been better keeping his thoughts to himself.
Parker, who made 19 appearances for England, said frankly: "John Terry's comments surprised me. That doesn't show respect for team-mates or the manager.
"He has jumped on his high horse and that could cost him dearly because Capello won't be happy at all."
Terry incurred the wrath of his Italian boss by openly declaring ahead of a team meeting: "We are in a meeting with the manager. Whether he starts it or finishes it, the players can say how they feel.
"And if it upsets him, then I'm on the very of just saying: 'You know what? So what? I'm here to win for England."
But Parker thinks the Chelsea player has over-stepped the mark, saying: "He has got to remember that he is no longer captain. Steven Gerrard is captain of England now."
After two abject draws against the United States and Algeria, Parker thinks that such talk from Terry can be counter-productive ahead of Wednesday's crunch tie with Slovenia in Port Elizabeth.
He said: "This is a game of football - not mutiny. Everyone has to be together in situations like this. You don't want to cause splits."
There is, however, one point on which Parker does agree with Terry - the need to recall Joe Cole for that all-important clash after seeing the manager snub him for the two opening Group C games.
He said: "There is one man who can make a real difference and that's Joe Cole. But we just haven't seen him. Now we will have to wait and see what Fabio Capello does.
"You have to say there must be a personal issue or is it the simple reason that he doesn't quite fancy him.
"There must be something going on. He was out injured during the season and then, when he came back, he wasn't picked by his club manager.
"I would like to see Joe play against Slovenia. He can do things. He is capable of gaining free kicks because opponents are frightened of him getting forward."
Betfred go Joe Cole 5/4 to start and 4/7 not to be on the pitch at kick-off time.
Parker would also like the suspended Jamie Carragher replaced by Michael Dawson, who flew out as a replacement for the injured Rio Ferdinand.
Parker said: "God knows why he wasn't in the original squad! But he should replace Carra against Slovenia without a shadow of doubt.
"Michael Dawson was playing well for his club at the end of the season yet he picked Upson who just hasn't been playing well."
Now with England a 1/2 chance to qualify, we must wait and see just what kind of line-up Capello goes for on Wednesday afternoon, when the whole nation will be on tenterhooks.
Betfred make England 4/9 to win with Slovenia at 11/4.
So how does Parker see the game going? "We need to show grit. England could be up against a team that sits back and we will have to break them down.
"I have a gut feeling that we are going to draw. This could end 0-0."
Paul Parker's interviews can be heard at Betfred.com or in one of Betfred's 850 shops throughout the World Cup.