By Neal Wallace

England Captain John Terry has said it is his duty to face up to claims that he racially abused another player.

The Football Association (FA) and Metropolitan Police have begun investigations into the incident, which involved Queen Park Ranger's (QPR) defender Anton Ferdinand during their 1-0 defeat of Chelsea.

During a yesterday's (November 14th) press conference before England's game against Sweden tonight, the FA blocked questions relating to the episode from broadcasters Sky and the BBC.

Terry said that fans have mostly been positive of him since the event, adding that "the players have been very good" and that they have "showed we are united no matter what".

The BBC's sports news correspondent Dan Road said that some FA officials have been surprised by England manager Fabio Capello's decision to start the Chelsea defender against Sweden.

Capello will make eight changes to the team that beat Spain 1-0 at Wembley on Saturday (November 12th).