Wayne Rooney underlined John Terry's value to the England team and claimed the dressing room is still united after Fabio Capello's squad met up yesterday for the first time since the defender's affair with the former partner of Wayne Bridge.
There were fears Terry would face a backlash from his England teammates in the wake of the revelation about his relationship with Vanessa Perroncel, the mother of Bridge's son.
But despite Terry being stripped of the captaincy and Bridge making himself unavailable for selection - he described the situation as "untenable and potentially divisive" - Rooney reported that it was business as usual ahead of the friendly with Egypt at Wembley tomorrow.
"The squad has been no different since we've met up," said Rooney. "Wayne Bridge is a fantastic player and especially now with Ashley Cole being injured I'm sure he'd have been the one to take his place. It's unfortunate but it's his decision and you have to respect it."
Terry's form has suffered since news of the affair broke but Roo-ney believes the 58-cap defender remains an integral part of the team and will be one of Capello's on-field lieutenants despite losing the captaincy.
"John is a leader for our team," said the striker. "He hasn't got the armband but he is still a great player and a great leader.
"He is a great player. I think he's been named in the world XI for the last three years.
"There are no worries about his form, that's for sure."
Terry has been given a hostile recception at English Premier League grounds for his off-field behaviour and the reaction of the England fans tomorrow night will be fascinating.
"I've been in the team when a few players have been booed at Wembley and it's not nice, said Rooney. "I hope he gets a good reception."
@Email:kaffleck@thenational.ae
UAE Falcons
Carly Lewis (captain), Emily Fensome, Kelly Loy, Isabel Affley, Jessica Cronin, Jemma Eley, Jenna Guy, Kate Lewis, Megan Polley, Charlie Preston, Becki Quigley and Sophie Siffre. Deb Jones and Lucia Sdao – coach and assistant coach.
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Jawan
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Tell Me Who I Am
Director: Ed Perkins
Stars: Alex and Marcus Lewis
Four stars
How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
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Israel Palestine on Swedish TV 1958-1989
Director: Goran Hugo Olsson
Rating: 5/5
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Results:
Men's 100m T34: 1. Walid Ktila (TUN) 15 sec; 2. Rheed McCracken (AUS) 15.40; 3. Mohammed Al Hammadi (UAE) 15.75. Men's 400m T34: 1. Walid Ktila (TUN) 50.56; 2. Mohammed Al Hammadi (UAE) 50.94; 3. Henry Manni (FIN) 52.24.
Race card for Super Saturday
4pm: Al Bastakiya Listed US$250,000 (Dh918,125) (Dirt) 1,900m.
4.35pm: Mahab Al Shimaal Group 3 $200,000 (D) 1,200m.
5.10pm: Nad Al Sheba Conditions $200,000 (Turf) 1,200m.
5.45pm: Burj Nahaar Group 3 $200,000 (D) 1,600m.
6.20pm: Jebel Hatta Group 1 $300,000 (T) 1,800m.
6.55pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round 3 Group 1 $400,000 (D) 2,000m.
7.30pm: Dubai City of Gold Group 2 $250,000 (T) 2,410m.
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Fixtures:
Wed Aug 29 – Malaysia v Hong Kong, Nepal v Oman, UAE v Singapore
Thu Aug 30 - UAE v Nepal, Hong Kong v Singapore, Malaysia v Oman
Sat Sep 1 - UAE v Hong Kong, Oman v Singapore, Malaysia v Nepal
Sun Sep 2 – Hong Kong v Oman, Malaysia v UAE, Nepal v Singapore
Tue Sep 4 - Malaysia v Singapore, UAE v Oman, Nepal v Hong Kong
Thu Sep 6 – Final