England can only get better, admits Terry

By George Burns Jun 18, 2006, 13:29 GMT

Baden-Baden - John Terry admitted after England's training session Sunday that his side's performances at this World Cup can only improve, starting with Sweden on Tuesday in Cologne.

England may have won their first two group matches against Paraguay (1-0) and Trinidad & Tobago (2-0) but the Chelsea defender accepts the stilted manner of the victories justified the subsequent criticism.

'We have to be encouraged about the fact we have six points but let's be honest about it, we aren't playing too well,' said Terry.

'Things can only get better on the performance side of it.'

Terry singled out Argentina, who demolished Serbia and Montenegro in their last outing as the team that has impressed him most to date.

'I would say Argentina are the main ones so far and Brazil didn't play that well against Croatia but still showed some great stuff,' he said.

England's only injury for the match against Sweden is right back Gary Neville, who failed to train with the rest of his England team- mates for the second day in succession as he continues his recovery from a calf injury.

The Manchester United defender picked up the injury in training on Wednesday and was replaced by Jamie Carragher in the 2-0 win over Trinidad and Tobago the following day.

While the rest of the players warmed up at the England training camp in Buehlertal, Neville received treatment on his right calf in a tent adjacent to the pitch.

Coach Sven-Goran Eriksson has yet to make a decision on whether Neville will be available for the Swedes.

England have already qualified for the knockout stages but need a draw in that match to finish top of the group.