Just my $0.02 in peace, guys....
I was listening to BBC 5Live this morning, and they were talking to one of their football reporters who was with the England squad during, and after, the 2010 World Cup. Reference point to this is that JT had just been stripped of the captaincy after the whole Wayne Bridge / Vanessa Perroncel stuff.
He said that the most telling moment of the whole trip for him was when JT was made to front up at a press conference after the tournament and explain what had been going on in the dressing room (even though he wasn't captain). The reporter also said that he had read texts and notes between squad players (some still around the squad now) that showed a really divided dressing room, with factions on both sides and a true feeling of division in the camp, and this was evidenced on the pitch, where we didn't play at all well in any of the four games.
We're pretty much in the same position now.
We have allegations, and a pending court case, with JT as the protagonist. Now, I'm not going to speculate on whether he's innocent or guilty in this matter - that's been done to death by just about everyone in the country, and is for the magistrates to decide. However, it does appear that there are factions again, in the sport and indeed in the squad, and this close to Euro 2012 the last thing that the national team needs is the same issues and divisions raising their head. Innocent or guilty, there does appear to be an air of 'toxicity' that follows JT around, whether of his making or simply poor luck/judgement. Maybe having him out of the spotlight will help England's chances in the championship.
In truth, there are a number of centre backs who would likely be selected on form alone ahead of JT (and Rio Ferdinand, for that matter). Cahill, Jagielka, Lescott, Dawson, Jones, all are in good form at club level and have shown themselves capable at national level. Now that JT isn't captain, could it be that Capello will pick on form alone for the squad and the team?it'd be a refreshing change, and one not really seen since 1990 or 1996 - both times ironically when the manager knew that win or lose, he was moving on. Exactly where we are now.
As I said - this is posted in peace and not wanting to get into arguments, but thought it added to the conversation a bit.....