SHRINK

England captain John Terry (centre), facing racism allegations, won't lead the team against world champions Spain tomorrow. Photo / AP

England has a chance to assess the extent of any progress made since a woeful World Cup when it hosts European and world champions Spain tomorrow.
However, preparations for England's toughest test before next year's European Championship could hardly have been more disrupted.
John Terry's place in the squad remains contentious during a police investigation into racism allegations, although coach Fabio Capello plans to rest the captain tomorrow despite a shortage of centre backs.
Striker Wayne Rooney will also be missing at Wembley Stadium. In spite of the Football Association's fight with UEFA over Rooney's three-match Euro 2012 ban for kicking an opponent in the last qualifier, Capello wants to look at other striking options against Spain.
Capello is also without his most dynamic midfield influences, Steven Gerrard and Jack Wilshere sidelined with injuries.
If player-related issues weren't enough, Capello's bosses at the FA have spent the week in dispute with Fifa over whether England's kit can feature poppies to honour Britain's war dead. A compromise was reached allowing the players to don black armbands featuring a poppy.
"I've been around this England squad for a while now, and seen some adverse situations," goalkeeper Joe Hart said yesterday. "You've just got to get on with it and shut it out."
All eyes at the week's first training were on Terry, who Capello will use against Sweden on Wednesday.
Any tensions over the defender's place in the squad were alleviated by the absence of Rio Ferdinand, whose brother Anton was the target of Terry's alleged racist abuse during Chelsea's match at Queens Park Rangers last month.
"It's been business as usual," Hart said. "I don't know what goes through [Terry's] mind."
Pressed on Terry's inclusion, defender Phil Jones insisted: "There's a great team spirit in the camp, everything is normal. He's a great leader, a great captain and a great player."
Despite the many absences, Capello's players are trying to avoid being pessimistic about England's prospects against a Spain side which is favourite to win a second successive European title next year.
"They're not light years ahead and we're not going in awe of them," Hart said. "We've got fantastic players."
Hart's opposite number, Iker Casillas, will match former goalkeeper Andoni Zubizarreta's record 126 appearances for Spain tomorrow.
The friendly will also give midfielder Cesc Fabregas and winger Jesus Navas a chance to reestablish themselves in Vicente del Bosque's plans following injuries.
Navas, filling in for the injured Pedro Rodriguez, hadn't played for Spain since winning the World Cup in South Africa.
"I want to take advantage of this opportunity," the Sevilla player said. "I'll fight to be in the final squad for the European Championship. It's very important to play well and we players must work hard to be there."
Malaga defender Nacho Monreal is also looking to seize his opportunity. "It has been unexpected," he said. "Whenever we come here we try to help as much as possible, to win the confidence of the coach and do well, and hopefully we can be there at the tournament.
"You have to enjoy it, but also be aware there's a big responsibility."
AP