A case for the England defence
Much has been said about England’s attacking options for Euro 2016 and how they will make up for the Three Lions defensive frailties, but in truth Roy Hodgson’s side’s defensive record in qualifying was not terrible.
England conceded just three goals in qualifying, which mean Hodgson’s side had one of the best defensive records in qualifying. The Three Lions may not have been up against the best teams in the world in qualifying, but their defensive record was still pretty good.
England heads to France with just three recognised centre-backs in Gary Cahill, Chris Smalling and John Stones, with defensive midfielder Eric Dier also capable of playing in the position, although the Three Lions have no cover for Dier in his chosen position.
Smalling and Cahill are likely to be first choice centre-backs for England. Danny Rose is set to start at left-back, while Kyle Walker and Nathaniel Clyne compete for the right-back spot.
There are doubts about the England defence, maybe because the Three Lions have not had a settled back four in a while. The three central defenders available to Hodgson have not exactly covered themselves in glory this season.
Stones was heavily criticised for taking too many chances under Roberto Martinez at Everton, while Cahill was part of the Chelsea team that finished tenth in the Premier League table.
Despite the points against the current central defenders, the likes of Walker and Rose have impressed in recent games. The Tottenham duo was in good form last season and both have the makings of very good attacking full-backs.
England’s success at Euro 2016 may well depend on their attacking strengths, but for all the doubts about Smalling and Cahill they are not the disaster that critics are making them out to be.
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