England’s devastated squad of multi-millionaire stars are demanding answers after their four-week stay in South Africa was cut short by fans.
The players – who crashed out of the World Cup against Germany on Sunday – feel badly let down and want a grass roots review of the running of the England Supporters’ Association.
“Someone has got to carry the can for this disaster,” said an angry John Terry today. “Our fans just weren’t good enough, and we feel utterly let down.”
“We heard reports of people tearing down England car flags after the USA game. That sort of thing is hugely unsettling.
“Imagine training for a full hour then lying on a massage table in a luxury hotel wondering whether you are being properly idolised. It’s impossible to concentrate on your game. Something must be done.”
Official supermarket of the England team, Tesco, also came under fire from Terry.
“WTF were Tesco doing to support us? How does a bit of bunting round a petrol station in Hull help us deal with the threat of a promising German side? It’s just not good enough.”
There will be sympathy for England players, many of whom are unused to dealing with adult emotions after being treated like royalty from the age of 11.
Terry and fellow stars such as Wayne Rooney will barely have time for a change of clothes at their 60-room mansions before being flown out on gruelling six-star holidays by demanding WAGs.
Other players face the uncertainty and upheaval of negotiating £100,000-a-week contracts with new employers before being rushed back to work in mid-July.
England manager Fabio Capello echoed Terry’s calls for an inquest. “We’re not looking for scapegoats, but someone has to be held responsible for the country’s display at the World Cup.
“I could not have done any more, and nor could the players.
“Just look at our salaries – they prove that I am one of the best coaches in world football, and my players are among the elite. So it can’t be our fault.”
Sir Trevor Brooking has already volunteered to head up ”any inquiry into anything”. He said: “The fans need to take a good, hard look at themselves.
“I’m proposing that every newborn child has their face permanently tattooed with an England flag. That way when they grow up there can be no doubt about their allegiances and the players can rest assured they have the full support of the nation.”
A short statement from the England Supporters’ Association read: “We take on board everything John Terry says. Perhaps it is time for us to look at our own role in England’s World Cup campaign.
“The players could hardly have done better on the pitch against tough opponents USA, Algeria, Slovenia and a transitional German side missing their star player Michael Ballack.”
