England: Lampard defends Terry over outburst

Frank Lampard has defended England defender John Terry's outburst ahead of tomorrow's World Cup clash with Slovenia and claimed: "We should be grateful there are players who speak in that way."

Terry came in for criticism after appearing to indicate he was ready to confront Fabio Capello in a team meeting on Sunday evening.

But Lampard believes his Chelsea team-mate was only speaking from his heart and out of frustration at England's poor start to the tournament.

The midfielder said: "John said what he did with good honest intentions, was very straight talking as I think you would expect from someone with that kind of personality.

"It's just frustrating that the headlines have got carried away in trying to talk about a rift in the camp which isn't there - and it honestly isn't there. I think John spoke from the heart really.

"When results and performances aren't what you want, people will try to find factions and we have to make sure we stay very united."

Lampard, who was 32 on Sunday, added: "I don't know whether John pushed it too far.

"I think we should be thankful that there are players who speak in that way.

"I think John spoke honestly about wanting us to turn this current situation around and moving on."

Lampard believes Terry will not be affected by the negative media approach to his comments as England look for the win in Port Elizabeth which will seal their last 16 spot.

He said: "John is very tough. You see certain things that have happened in his career - and hopefully mine too - when we react to things that have been negative.

"Whether it is newspapers or things in private or personal lives, he has always reacted very well. I am sure he was p----d off with the headlines and he will react in the right way."

Lampard believes frustration at England's performances against United States and Algeria may lead to outspoken comments.

He said: "The players aren't happy at the moment because we have not performed as we should have done.

"Everyone can talk and talk and talk about different things off the pitch but that's the basics of why people aren't happy and that might make us all say things.

"We are not happy with how we are playing. Simple as that. Nobody is."