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England World Cup squad: Former Three Lions boss Glenn Hoddle reveals defensive worry
ENGLAND have plenty of ball-playing defenders but not enough players with genuine defensive nous.
Dier, Walker and Stones are all going to the World Cup but there's no place for Tarkowski
That’s the worry of Glenn Hoddle going into the World Cup.
Gareth Southgate named his 23-man squad for this summer’s tournament in Russia on Wednesday with Chris Smalling, James Tarkowski and Ryan Bertrand all notable back-line exclusions.
Gary Cahill was selected despite a below-par season for Chelsea and represents the most senior member of the Three Lions selection, having amassed 58 caps.
Southgate has selected four recognised centre-backs with the versatile Eric Dier and Kyle Walker also capable of dropping in if the manager opts for a three-at-the-back formation.
A whole host of wing-back options includes the uncapped Trent Alexander-Arnold and rejuvenated duo Ashley Young and Fabien Delph - both formerly midfielders.
And ex-England manager Hoddle, who was in charge at the 1998 World Cup, has concerns over the defence - who will have to contain Eden Hazard and co.’s Belgium in the group stages before facing potentially even tougher tests if they reach the Round of 16.
Gary Cahill, Kyle Walker and Phil Jones will all hope to make themselves starters for the first game
Gareth Southgate's 23-man squad has sparked nationwide debate
Glenn Hoddle was discussing the England squad on ITV Sport
They can handle the ball, the back three can come out. But I look at them and defensively it worries me.
On a possible lack of experience among the 23-man contingent, Hoddle told ITV Sport: “I don’t think we’ll have a problem in the group stages.
“I think you need experience when you come up against Germany or Brazil or somebody in the quarter-finals, if we can get that far.
“Some people will say if we get to the quarters it’s been a good tournament for us.
“It’s a young group of players, we’ve got some ability there.
England confirms 2018 World Cup squad
“The defensive side of things, they’re all good on the ball.
“I look at the defenders and think [Phil] Jones is probably the most defensive.
“They can handle the ball, the back three can come out. But I look at them and defensively it worries me.”
England play Nigeria and Costa Rica in World Cup warm-up matches before kickstarting their campaign in Russia on June 18 against Tunisia.
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