The story seems more like a Hollywood script than anything else. The England National team is gearing up for the World Cup, with every player focused and working hard to be at top form come this summer. As anyone who has played soccer at a competitive level knows, chemistry and teamwork are paramount. The eleven players on the pitch all have to work together as a well-oiled machine, seamlessly transitioning and adapting. And of course, good teamwork is built on trust. Trust that your teammate will be there to cover you when you make a mistake, will assist you when you need it, and will not sleep with your woman. Usually the last one goes without saying but John Terry seems to have forgotten about it.
The English defender and Captain was reported to have had an affair with Vanessa Perroncel, the mother of English National teammate Wayne Bridge’s child. After Terry lost a High Court battle to keep details of the relationship out of the press, National team coach Fabio Capello stripped the star defender of his captaincy. Terry will remain on the team but this public scandal will undoubtedly have some effect on the English squad come this summer’s competition. And that hiccup in the English chemistry may be just what a less talented American squad needs to pull out a victory in their first match in South Africa.
