Racism slur continues to dog England captain Terry

Soccer:Phil Jones has hailed England skipper John Terry as "a great leader" and claims the squad is unified despite the ongoing racism investigation over comments allegedly made by Terry towards QPR defender Anton Ferdinand.

Terry looked relaxed as he led the England team out for their first training session ahead of Saturday's clash with Spain at Wembley alongside Theo Walcott.

The remarks he is alleged to have made towards Ferdinand during Chelsea's recent meeting with QPR are now the subject of a police investigation.

Jones, who could win his second cap against Spain, is adamant Terry has made no reference to the incident while on England duty.

The Manchester United player said: "Nothing has been said. It's business as normal.

"John is our captain, he's a great leader, a great player. Everything is fine."

Asked how things were in training, Jones added: "Brilliant. Nothing has changed."

Jones insisted the squad was united but, when asked if other players might have a different opinion on that view, he said: "I can only speak for myself - but who am I to comment on that?

"It's not my position to comment. I'm happy to be here. John is our captain and that's it."

Jones claimed England manager Fabio Capello had also not made any reference to the players about the Terry allegations.

He said: "The manager said what we're doing in training and he talked about the game on Saturday and 'let's go and do it'."

Goalkeeper Joe Hart is adamant any of the issues off the pitch which involve England players do not distract the team.

He said: "People say there is always something surrounding the team.

"It's a big distraction for everyone - apart from us.

"Everyone seems to love talking about it, love speculating about it but we're a football team and our whole focus is about Saturday and nothing else."

Jones admits he is learning as a footballer from working with Terry.

He said: "John mentions little tactical things that make you think 'yes you're right, I should be there'.

"Similarly with Rio Ferdinand at club level, I've picked up little things on positional play or technical things.

"I've learned a lot from the pair of them."