Upson set to replace Carragher

West Ham defender Matthew Upson will replace Jamie Carragher in England's vital World Cup Group C game against Slovenia on Wednesday.

With Ledley King injured and Carragher suspended, coach Fabio Capello confirmed Upson will play in Port Elizabeth.

A regular during qualifying games for the finals in South Africa, the 31-year-old will partner John Terry.

"Upson will play because he always played with John Terry and I probably will change some others," Capello told the BBC.

England, who need a victory to secure a place in the knockout stages after draws against the United States and Algeria, are running out of defensive options.

Capello was left to choose between Upson and uncapped Tottenham defender Michael Dawson who was called up as a late replacement for injured captain Rio Ferdinand.

King sustained a groin injury against the US which ruled him out for three weeks.

His replacement Carragher picked up bookings against both the US and Algeria which has resulted in a one-game ban.

Meanwhile, midfielder Frank Lampard has insisted England and Chelsea team-mate Terry spoke out because he wants to "hit things head-on".

Yesterday, former captain Terry laid bare a series of grievances and personnel issues which he vowed to raise at a pre-planned team meeting Capello last night.

Opinion has been mixed about Terry's motives for speaking out, but Lampard said today: "I don't think anyone wants to give too much away about what was said.

"I think it's been particularly overdone in terms of a 'crisis meeting'...but I understand what John Terry was saying because he's passionate like that, as a player as a person.

"Every person deals with things differently. Some won't say much and others want to hit things head-on.

"But people want to see a reaction and people have said he (Terry) has said some positive things.

"We'll try to hit things head-on on the training ground."

Lampard added at the press conference at England's World Cup training camp in Rustenburg: "It seems to me the manager and (number two) Franco Baldini have always been very approachable."

Lampard gave his unequivocal backing to Capello, insisting that he wanted him to stay in the job after the World Cup.

He said: "It's always been the same thing with football - you have your up and down moments."

He added: "I've really enjoyed working with him and, yes, I would like him to stay.

"I've been lucky enough to work with some fantastic managers and Fabio Capello is right up there."

The Chelsea midfielder dismissed the suggestion that, by picking out Wayne Rooney and Joe Cole as players who could "unlock defences", club team-mate Terry had offended him.

"I don't think players are that sensitive," he said.

"I wasn't knocking John's door down saying 'Do you think I can't unlock a defence'."

Following Terry's press conference yesterday, the meeting between players and coaching staff was billed as a chance to clear the air with the former captain promising a frank exchange of views.

But Lampard said: "The meeting was just the manager dealing with the Algeria match and we moved on."

Lampard revealed nine players discussed concerns over a beer after the Algeria game but Lampard said: "I'm not a rebel - but I've had my moments! The fact I'm seen as 'a rebel' baffles me.

"It was lads sitting down talking about the game. That's the only way I've known a team to talk about results. Socialising is a completely normal thing."

On Capello he added: "I'm sure he's spoken to certain individuals because there are times he's done it to me.

"He's a strong manager and his style is very strong but we respect him very much, have faith in him and have faith we'll win on Wednesday."

The Chelsea midfielder, who revealed he does not know the line-up for the Slovenia game yet, also spoke out for David Beckham.

Lampard said: "He is not just for picking up tops. I think he has got a nice sentiment and a way of approaching people and making them feel comfortable. He's seen a lot and spoken to me at times. He's been a very helpful presence.

"One player a day comes here to speak - but what matters now is Wednesday."