John Terry has apologised to Fabio Capello for his outburst over Joe Cole and insisted the England manager has his full backing.

Terry caused a huge stir in the England camp when he went public with criticisms over Capello's decision not to select Cole, sparking talk of a mutiny in the camp. Capello described Terry's actions as a "big mistake".

Speaking to the Daily Mail, Terry apologised and said he wanted to put the matter behind him and his team-mates as they prepare for Wednesday's make-or-break clash with Slovenia.

"I went into yesterday's press conference with the intention of being honest," Terry said. "I was asked a question about Joe Cole and maybe I went too far. But it was never my intention to upset the manager or the players and if I did upset anyone, I apologise.

"I have told the manager he has my total support and I would like to stress that I don't believe I have been a disruptive influence in the camp.

"I would now like to put this episode behind me and concentrate on trying to win what is a massive game for England. All I was trying to do was to say how important it is to me to try to win the World Cup. I just hope people at least appreciate that I have taken the time to call you and have asked you to report what I have to say in response."

In his press conference, Terry had openly challenged Capello, saying: "If it upsets him then I'm on the verge of just saying, 'So what, I'm here to win it for England'."

But any support Terry thought he had from team-mates disappeared, leaving the former England captain to apologise.