MX23RW : Saturday, November 16 13:47:48| >> :120:13702:13702:

Chris Smalling eager to prove doubters wrong at Euro 2016

England defender Chris Smalling hopes to prove the team's defensive doubters wrong at Euro 2016 this summer.

England defender Chris Smalling has said that he is keen to disprove concerns over the team's defensive capabilities at Euro 2016.

Smalling is one of only three specialist central defenders in the 23-man squad for this summer's tournament, with the defence regarded by many to be the weakest point of the England team.

Manager Roy Hodgson has admitted that his side will be best suited playing to their attacking strengths, but Smalling believes that the team can prove their defensive doubters wrong.

"I think if anything it just gives you another challenge just to prove people [wrong]," he told reporters.

"There is always doubts, whether it's with England or whether it's with your club form. It's just one of those that there is someone else that can come in and do a job better, say me or someone else.

"I think it's just a time to stand up and be counted, and show everyone that you're good enough - more than good enough - to do that job."

England begin their campaign against Russia in Marseille on Saturday.

ID:274415: cacheID:274415:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:2111:
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Chris Smalling of England celebrates as he scores against Portugal at Wembley Stadium on June 2, 2016
Read Next:
Smalling plays down injury concerns
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool119112161528
2Manchester CityMan City117222213923
3Chelsea115422113819
4Arsenal115421812619
5Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest115421510519
6Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton115421915419
7Fulham115331613318
8Newcastle UnitedNewcastle115331311218
9Aston Villa115331717018
10Tottenham HotspurSpurs1151523131016
11Brentford115152222016
12Bournemouth114341515015
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd114341212015
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham113351319-612
15Leicester CityLeicester112451421-710
16Everton112451017-710
17Ipswich TownIpswich111551222-108
18Crystal Palace11146815-77
19Wolverhampton WanderersWolves111371627-116
20Southampton11119721-144


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!