England great Peter Shilton is concerned about Gareth Southgate’s defence at the World Cup.
Shilton – who won two European Cups during his time working under Brian Clough at Nottingham Forest – has suggested a backline featuring error-prone keeper Jordan Pickford and Manchester United’s troubled captain Harry Maguire will not give England a chance to claim World Cup glory.
“England are one of four or five teams that can go all the way and win this World Cup, but the one area that worries me is the defence,” Shilton told the Sunday World.
“We have defenders in there who have not had the best of form with their clubs, and we have been leaking goals over the last year or so.
“I obviously look at Jordan Pickford, as a former keeper, and he had never let England down, even though he has had his critics when he’s playing for Everton.
“I look at France, Spain and Brazil as teams that have a real chance to be in the mix, but England have the experience of going close in recent tournaments, and that will stand them in good stead.
“Looking back on my experience playing in the World Cup, you have a different mindset when you start to make progress in these big tournaments, and believe more the next time you have a chance.
“England were superb against Iran and the quality of players coming off the bench highlighted the quality they have got.
“Players like Jack Grealish, Marcus Rashford and Phil Foden would get into most teams in this World Cup – and that’s where the game has changed.
“I look back to when I was at Nottingham Forest and we won two European Cups and we had a squad of about 18 players, who achieved that on muddy pitches.
“Now, you need a lot more – and England have that quality in reserve, which they will need to go a long way in this competition.”
