No Problem With 'Great Leader' Terry, Says Jones

LONDON: England defender Phil Jones on Thursday stressed there was no ill-will towards John Terry after the Chelsea defender's inclusion in the squad to face Spain and Sweden despite allegations of racism.

Terry is facing twin investigations from the police and the Football Association over claims he racially abused Queens Park Rangers defender Anton Ferdinand in last month's west London derby.

The latest controversy to embroil the Chelsea defender led to calls for Terry to be axed as captain and excluded from the squad until the various investigations had reached a conclusion.

However England manager Fabio Capello and the FA included Terry on the basis of "innocent until proven guilty" and rising Manchester United star Jones emphasised the squad backed the decision.

"It has been as normal," Jones said when asked about the mood in the England squad. "There is a great team spirit in the camp and we are looking forward to the game.

"Everything is normal. (Terry) is a great leader, a great captain and a great player."

Jones admitted however to surprise that United team-mate Rio Ferdinand -- brother of Anton -- had been left out of the squad.

"It's surprising (he is not in the squad). Let's not kid ourselves, Rio is a fantastic player and has a lot of experience. Hopefully he can push his way back into the set-up."

Jones excelled on the right side of defence during his full international debut against Montenegro last month, but there is speculation he may be tried in a defensive role in midfield against Spain.

"If I am asked to play in the game I will play wherever the manager asks me to play," he added.

"I am more than capable of playing at right-back, centre-half or in central midfield."

Meanwhile goalkeeper Joe Hart, one of five Manchester City players in the squad, admitted he was dismayed to see club colleague Micah Richards left out.

"It's not up to me to pick the squad," Hart said. "If it was, my friends from school would be playing - simple as that.

"Micah's been absolutely fantastic. He's given everything. I'm really proud of how he's played for Manchester City - he captained us against QPR.

"It's just unfortunate he's not in the squad but I'm sure he won't take it to heart. He'll just keep on training well like he is and pushing to be in that squad."