John Terry believes tightening up a suspect defence is the key to England's World Cup hopes.
England have conceded set-piece goals to both Mexico and Japan during recent warm-up victories ahead of the tournament in South Africa.
Coach Fabio Capello has rotated his defenders during the two games with Terry, skipper Rio Ferdinand, Jamie Carragher, Ledley King, Ashley Cole, Leighton Baines and Glen Johnson all seeing game time.
That has led to a lack of stability which former captain Terry believes will be vital if England are to succeed in South Africa.
"The manager had stressed in the week that with the pace we have, the quality we have going forward, we're always going to create chances and score goals," said the Chelsea captain.
"It's up to us to keep it tight at the back. The goal we conceded against Mexico, and a couple of set-plays, are things we'll have to work on.
"But if we can keep it tight at the back, then we've got enough quality going forward which means we can always get a goal."
Terry and Ferdinand are set to start the tournament as Capello's first-choice central defensive partnership, with Cole and Johnson operating as attacking full-backs.
"It's been a while since we've played together as a back four," added Terry.
"Obviously I know Ashley and also Johnson from his Chelsea days, but myself and Rio have got a good understanding so when we slot in alongside each other, we know each other's game well enough."
England have conceded set-piece goals to both Mexico and Japan during recent warm-up victories ahead of the tournament in South Africa.
Coach Fabio Capello has rotated his defenders during the two games with Terry, skipper Rio Ferdinand, Jamie Carragher, Ledley King, Ashley Cole, Leighton Baines and Glen Johnson all seeing game time.
That has led to a lack of stability which former captain Terry believes will be vital if England are to succeed in South Africa.
"The manager had stressed in the week that with the pace we have, the quality we have going forward, we're always going to create chances and score goals," said the Chelsea captain.
"It's up to us to keep it tight at the back. The goal we conceded against Mexico, and a couple of set-plays, are things we'll have to work on.
"But if we can keep it tight at the back, then we've got enough quality going forward which means we can always get a goal."
Terry and Ferdinand are set to start the tournament as Capello's first-choice central defensive partnership, with Cole and Johnson operating as attacking full-backs.
"It's been a while since we've played together as a back four," added Terry.
"Obviously I know Ashley and also Johnson from his Chelsea days, but myself and Rio have got a good understanding so when we slot in alongside each other, we know each other's game well enough."
No comments:
Post a Comment