John Terry started to get nervous when Wayne Rooney began launching himself into tackles yesterday - but insists the England striker does not have a temperament problem.

Rooney was lambasted over his conduct by referee Jeff Selogilwe following the victory over Platinum Stars and warned that he risks getting himself sent off unless he curbs the excesses of his behaviour.

Terry watched the dark cloud descend from the touchline, having been replaced at half-time by Fabio Capello.

The defender accepted it did not make for pretty viewing at times, but he has no intention of joining in the chorus of disapproval.

"I was a little bit nervous myself when he gave the ball away and went into the tackle, but that would have pleased the manager though after the first half," said Terry.

"I certainly don't think Wayne has a problem. From what we have seen in the last two or three years I honestly feel that he has grown up a lot.

"We could have done with a bit more of that (aggression) in the first half. He gave everyone a lift. We could have done with Wayne on the pitch in the first half giving everyone a kick up the backside."

As it turned out, Capello was quite happy to administer the kicking.

The Italian had believed a corner had been turned in the second half of the recent win over Japan, when England got their old urgency back.

It all disappeared in the opening 45 minutes yesterday, and Capello was not afraid to let his players know it.

"He was not pleased," revealed Terry. "It was the worst, the angriest, I have seen him. We worked all week on pressing, not letting people turn and get time on the ball - and we did not do that.

"He had his say at half-time in a manner I have not seen before and it was quite understandable. But it sums him up. He is a winner. Even in training he can go like that from nothing."

Capello's players will find out what damage they have done to their chances of being involved in the World Cup Group C opener against the United States two hours before kick-off on Saturday, when Capello tells them his starting line-up.

It did look as though the defence and three-quarters of his midfield from the first half were earmarked for selection, which would mean Ledley King being paired with Terry in central defence.

As King is unable to train properly due to his chronic knee condition, adjusting to a new partner is not particularly easy.

Fortunately, the pair have a history, as 10-year-old's with the famous Senrab boy's club. It may be almost two decades ago but the bonds forged at that time remain, as does a photograph that now adorns Terry's mobile phone, showing how much bigger King was than the rest of his young team-mates.

"Ledley was a lot bigger and stronger than everyone else and used to scare the life out of people by just looking at them," laughed Terry. "I was scared of him that's for sure.

"But in a football sense I always had an understanding with him. We used to get told off all the time for talking and sent around the running pitch in training.

"We have kept in touch ever since and followed each other's careers."

Terry did not need to follow King's career particularly closely to be aware that his new central defensive partner cannot train that often.

The 29 year-old does not view it as a significant drawback, especially as the ability he spotted during those early days has been developed perfectly.

"Ledley is a Rolls Royce of a player," said Terry. "I still could not tell you if he is right or left-footed. He has great feet and is a joy to play alongside."

It adds to a belief England will not miss Rio Ferdinand too much when the Manchester United defender heads for home, as he is scheduled to do after Saturday's game, possibly on Monday.

"Like everyone else, Rio realises we still have a very good chance," said Terry. "I sense something different in this group, I have a feeling that you don't get too often.

"We have Becks here who can give his thoughts and opinions and having someone like Rio around the camp is brilliant too.

"It is vital that we stay unified. You do notice the altitude here when you’re running around,” the striker said. "It’s different, and we’re a lot higher here than we were in Austria (for the pre-tournament training camp). We’ve noticed it, but I’m sure we’ll get used to it in training.

"I don’t know what effect it will have, but I think it takes you a little bit longer to get your recovery. That’s normal, and everyone will experience that. Obviously, the longer you are here, the better you adapt to it.”