One of the big reservations cynics had about the England squad was the inexperienced defence which lacked figures like John Terry, Rio Ferdinand and Ashley Cole to take control and lead the line. However, despite some moments of anxiety, the pre-tournament friendlies have served in giving the back line some much needed game time together. Indeed, England emerged from the three games without incurring a single loss so this is certainly something the defence can build on. At the centre of the defence is the solid duo of Phil Jagielka and Gary Cahill. Both men had stellar seasons in the Premier League and will look to have equally impressive tournaments as they both missed the chance of playing at Euro 2012 due to injury. Cahill has shown that he is also a force to be reckoned with coming forward, using his ample 64 frame and strength to threaten teams from set-pieces. With the likes of Leighton Baines, Glen Johnson and Luke Shaw bursting forward from the left and right back positions, Englands back line is certainly not as vulnerable as everyone is speculating.
Hailing from South East London, Sam Heard is an aspiring writer and recent graduate from the University of Warwick. Sam's favourite things include energy drinks, late nights spent watching the UFC with his girlfriend and annihilating his friends at FIFA.
