Upson gets a World Cup 'yes'

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

With Ledley King injured and Carragher suspended, coach Fabio Capello confirmed former Diss High School pupil 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 and Capello said: 'Upson will play because he always played with John Terry and I probably will change some others.'

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, below, 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 the US and Algeria, resulting 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'.

Sunday saw former captain Terry lay bare a series of grievances which he vowed to raise at a pre-planned team meeting with Capello that night.

Opinion has been mixed about Terry's motives but Lampard said: '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 was saying because he's passionate like that.

'People want to see a reaction and have said he said some positive things. We'll try to hit things head-on.'

Lampard added that he was not offended by Terry's comments only Wayne Rooney and Joe Cole could 'unlock defences' in the Three Lions squad.

Lampard said: 'I don't think players are that sensitive. I wasn't knocking John's door down saying 'Do you think I can't unlock a defence?''