SUFFOLK-born England defender Matthew Upson is confident the rumour and speculation surrounding the team’s World Cup camp in recent days will simply serve to strengthen their resolve.

Their 1-0 victory over Group C rivals Slovenia came after former captain John Terry sparked talk of rifts within the camp.

However, there was no lack of unity on Wednesday, and Upson believes a stronger bond has been formed.

Upson told BBC Radio 5 Live: “You can use all those things and use all the rumours and all the accusations as fuel to improve and succeed.

“That’s something we have improved on as a team and I think we can still get better at it.”

England face old foe Germany in Bloemfontein on Sunday in the second round. If they win, Argentina are expecting to await in the quarter-finals.