England football captain John Terry has praised England rugby coach Martin Johnson's management style.

England's rugby team have endured a stormy time off the pitch at the World Cup in New Zealand, with Johnson having to defend his players to the media on more than one occasion.

Despite their off-field antics, Terry believes that the manager has done the right thing to back his players.

"I like the way the manager has come out and defended them," Terry told reporters.

"When managers come out and back you, it brings you together. I like that.

"They've played okay in a couple of their games, but when something like that happens it brings everyone closer together. You knit together. It's you against the world, really."

The defender was speaking ahead of his side's Euro 2012 qualifier against Montenegro on Friday.