Montenegro vs England: 5 Threats Hodgson Must Overcome

4. The Centre Back Crisis

It used to be the case that England had too many world class centre backs. If we think back 10 years or so, England had the option of playing Sol Campbell, Rio Ferdinand, John Terry, Jamie Carragher or Ledley King €“ all top quality defenders. Now it appears as though Hodgson has had to scrap the bottom of the barrel, with Steven Taylor being drafted in after Gary Cahill€™s withdrawal. That€™s taking nothing away from Steven Taylor, he is a good player, but is he an international centre half? No. England€™s problems have been increased by Rio Ferdinand€™s withdrawal from the squad, something England fans voiced their displeasure at during the win over San Marino. All these issues have left Hodgson with a starting partnership of Lescott and Smalling, two players who are severely lacking in match fitness. Both are fine defenders but the worry will be how the pair copes against two strikers, Jovetic and Vucinic, who have been playing week in week for their club sides.