Football: Defensive conundrum for England

SERRAVALLE: England manager Roy Hodgson faces a dilemma in central defence ahead of his side’s 2014 World Cup qualifying match away to Group H minnows San Marino tonight. Since Hodgson named his squad last week, Tottenham Hotspur’s Michael Dawson and Gary Cahill of Chelsea have both withdrawn through injury, while Manchester United’s Rio Ferdinand ruled himself out, citing fitness concerns. With Phil Jagielka of Everton already sidelined by injury, it leaves Hodgson desperately short of experience in the centre of defence. Of the centre-backs at Hodgson’s disposal, only Joleon Lescott has won more than 10 caps, with Chris Smalling, Steven Caulker and the uncapped Steven Taylor boasting just five international appearances between them.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 22^nd, 2013.