Three Lions: Team's defence now looking like a liability

England's disappointing draw in their World Cup opener against the US now appears less damning following a week in which few teams have managed to stamp their authority on this the most slow-burning of finals.

Italy, Portugal, France and most surprisingly Spain have all disappointed in a competition that has so far being defined by rugged defence rather than attacking football.

Germany, of course, have been the exception and their ominous rout of Australia will no doubt have sent shock waves through their rivals, not least the Three Lions who could meet their European counterparts in the second round.

England coach Fabio Capello will be hoping to avoid that scenario and must now turn his attention to conquering a limited Algerian team.

The Italian was pragmatic following the US tie, and from a purely result point of view, a 1-1 draw now seems acceptable, especially considering Spain's shock opening defeat to Switzerland.

Of course, the manner of England's performance was the lightning rod for the avalanche of criticism that followed, and Capello must resolve a number of issues if he wants to avoid similar headlines in the weeks ahead.

Much has been made of Gareth Barry's inclusion and England fans would agree the team appears more balanced when he plays.

Major concern

However, the Manchester City man is not blessed with pace and regardless of how well he screens the back four, England's central defence pairing will at some point be exposed to pace.

This will be the major concern for Capello as he looks to get England's World Cup campaign back on track.

Ledley King's injury, coming as it did on the heels of Rio Ferdinand's pre-tournament exit, was a severe blow to England's chances.

John Terry reads the game well, but is susceptible when faced with pacey players.

Jamie Carragher, meanwhile, would have done little to soothe the Italian's concerns with his laboured display against the US.

Capello's alternatives are Matthew Upson and Michael Dawson, but neither is blessed with blistering pace, although Dawson would be the preferred option given his form over the season.

The simple fact remains that whichever way you cut it, England's defence — always considered the bedrock on which former campaigns have been built — is looking increasingly like a liability. Factor in the uncertainty surrounding the goalkeeper and Algeria may fancy their chances of causing an historic upset.

Capello, of course, will banish any such thoughts. Winning is all that matters to the Italian; it's been the reason Three Lions fans have readily embraced him.

But the former Real Madrid man will be aware that victory over the Desert Foxes will not provide a cure-all for England's shortcomings. The problems will persist; whether he can solve them or simply paper over the cracks remains to be seen.