Attacking Obsession drops England right back in it

Posted Monday, October 10, 2011 by Express.co.uk

Danny Mills has claimed the England’s players simply do not know how to defend any more

DANNY MILLS picked over the wreckage of England’s near-disastrous capitulation in Podgorica and claimed the nation’s players simply do not know how to defend any more.

With Mills’ old right-back position a particular concern after England were unpicked so easily at two goals ahead, he is worried that the modern philosophy of getting full-backs to bomb forward has led to a lack of defensive technique, even at the very highest level.

Phil Jones was the prime example, setting up England’s first chance soon after the start. But the questionable positioning of the natural centre-back out on the right later caused disarray among England’s back four, and Montenegro were allowed back into the game.

More accustomed right-backs such as Micah Richards and Kyle Walker were overlooked by Fabio Capello because he does not trust their defensive abilities either and Mills, above, who played in the 2002 World Cup, feels it is the fault of their club managers.

“The art of defending is being lost these days,” he said.

“Just look at some of the scorelines this season, 8-2, 6-0.

Carles Puyol and Fabio Cannavaro must be pulling their hair out when they see defenders today.

Managers are not teaching young players how to defend properly any longer. The game seems obsessed with going forward and attacking.”

Jones became the seventh man to occupy the right-back berth since Gary Neville last wore the Three Lions shirt in a 1-0 defeat against Spain in February 2007.

Glen Johnson’s 34 caps make him the most regular replacement and favourite when fit again.