Fabio Capello has backed Glen Johnson's defensive capabilities amid criticism of the Liverpool man's preference to bomb forward rather than defend.
The buccaneering right-back has enjoyed a brilliant start to his new career at Anfield and has been arguably the club's standout performer to date since his big-money move from Portsmouth.
But while his attacking prowess cannot be disputed, there has been reservations raised with regards his ability to defend.
In Saturday's international friendly defeat of Slovenia much of the visitor's attacking threat came down the flank Johnson was supposed to be patrolling.
Capello, though, insists Johnson is not England's weak link ahead of Wednesday's crunch clash against Croatia.
"Don't worry. I have no problem with Glen Johnson," urged the Italian.
Opposite number Matjaz Kek had a different view and he admits Slovenia were confident of exposing Johnson's inclination to go forward at every opportunity.
"Glen Johnson is a very dangerous player," he said.
"Stopping him was very important. But when you play in such an offensive way it leaves a lot of space behind.
"I have seen England two or three times. I knew we could get to the goal on that side."
The buccaneering right-back has enjoyed a brilliant start to his new career at Anfield and has been arguably the club's standout performer to date since his big-money move from Portsmouth.
But while his attacking prowess cannot be disputed, there has been reservations raised with regards his ability to defend.
In Saturday's international friendly defeat of Slovenia much of the visitor's attacking threat came down the flank Johnson was supposed to be patrolling.
Capello, though, insists Johnson is not England's weak link ahead of Wednesday's crunch clash against Croatia.
"Don't worry. I have no problem with Glen Johnson," urged the Italian.
Opposite number Matjaz Kek had a different view and he admits Slovenia were confident of exposing Johnson's inclination to go forward at every opportunity.
"Glen Johnson is a very dangerous player," he said.
"Stopping him was very important. But when you play in such an offensive way it leaves a lot of space behind.
"I have seen England two or three times. I knew we could get to the goal on that side."
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