Gerard Houllier: Direct football is in England's "DNA and culture"

Gerard Houllier has defended the tactics that England have used so far at Euro 2012.

Roy Hodgson's side have been criticised for adopting what has been perceived as a direct style.

However, former Liverpool and Aston Villa manager Houllier has insisted that England's style has not changed for many years.

"It is in their DNA and culture," Houllier told France Football. "When they have a big tall guy, they put him up front. In France, when we have this kind of player, we put him in central defence.

"Besides, there is a tradition of long and direct play in England. A tradition of fighting and physical challenge, but also a tradition of 4-4-2.

"The idea is to associate two different registers. A big guy who can offer deepness and also play with his back towards the goal and be able to keep the ball, not to mention deviating the ball with his head to his teammates and play the second balls."

England take on Ukraine this evening with a place in the quarter-finals at stake.