Capello laments Cole's Wembley boos

3:12pm Sunday 12th October 2008

Fabio Capello demanded the Wembley crowd lay off Ashley Cole, after the full-back was booed during England's 5-1 win in the World Cup qualifier against Kazakhstan.

Captain Rio Ferdinand scored the opener with a header in the second half - and two goals from Wayne Rooney, an own goal by Alexandr Kuchma and a late effort from Jermain Defoe cemented England's position at the top of Group Six.

But Cole was the target for jeers, after his wayward pass had led to Kazakhstan's lone goal from Zhambyi Kukeyev, and Capello said: "I couldn't understand the crowd booing Ashley Cole after he made a mistake. It is possible for one player to make mistake. It is very important that the crowd help him and not boo him."

He added: "But the crowd was very strong for us. After the first half, they helped us a lot."

Capello admitted England struggled in the first half with a 4-3-3 formation - Rooney wide on the left - which is why he brought on Shaun Wright-Phillips for Gareth Barry at half-time and reverted to 4-4-2.

He said: "We needed a speedy player on the left, and he did very well. In the first half we played too quick, tried to get the ball forward immediately and made too many mistakes.

"In the second half Rooney played nearer (Emile) Heskey and he played very well. After the first 45 minutes, I was not happy.

"Kazakhstan had two chances in the match, but it is normal in international matches that opponents have chances to score goals."

Capello revealed John Terry may have recovered from his back injury in time to face Belarus on Wednesday.

"I hope he will be okay," he said. "Belarus are a good team. I saw them play against Ukraine; they are a dangerous team who play well. It will be a dangerous game."

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