ROCK OF AGES

Old guard proving defensive doubters wrong

- Andy Dunn

INJURY worries, absentees, age, a goalkeeper who, somehow, still does not convince everyone, a warm-up defeat by Iceland this is the tournament when England's defence is going to be found out.

Or, so many said.

That still might be the case but as an opening retort to the critics and the doubters, the shut-out of Serbia in Gelsenkirchen was a decent effort.

Although the phenomenon that is Jude Bellingham was dominating the headlines, the foundation of England's first Euro 2024 win was another solid defensive display.

That is despite Jordan Pickford and John Stones having turned 30 this year, Kieran Trippier being 33 and Kyle Walker being the veteran of the squad at 34.

No wonder Walker, revelling in his role as England's vice-captain, looked pleased and was keen to highlight the qualities that have made this team hard to beat on the most demanding stages.

The right-back said: "If you keep clean sheets in tournaments you have a very good chance of going on and winning it.