There are
other central defenders in the squad but Southgate used our young Gunner in the final warm up game and with Chambers having dropped down from the senior side to go to these finals, you would think that he would get the nod for the opening game against Portugal tonight.
The Dutchman has reverted in recent weeks, however, a mistake that Neville believes is costing them as it encourages players to play the «safe» option to
other central defenders who tend to be free:
> Wenger is tactically hopeless but Coq played in the back 3 because there were
no other central defenders fit and available.
Arsenal still have
other central defenders.
«We should note that all
the other central defenders in line for the World Cup have yet to feature at the World Cup, which is a big stage where you have to combine experience with commitment.
Even with Vermaelen back,
the other central defenders include Djourou (a useful squad player), Koscielny (young and improving) and Frenchmen Sebastien Squillaci (one thought and two steps behind everything happening on the pitch).