Hansen calls for Keown

Sol Campbell: "Should be dropped and replaced by Keown"

BBC pundit Alan Hansen tells Sport Online that he believes England can still qualify - but he wants Kevin Keegan to play Martin Keown against Germany.

England and Portugal fought out the best game so far in Euro 2000 on a balmy night in Eindhoven but their defensive errors cost them dearly.

Both sides played with style and pizzazz in a fantastically competitive game but England paid the price for their lacklustre defending and I believe all three goals they let in were down to individual errors.

After a whirlwind start, Kevin Keegan's side were outclassed by a wonderfully talented Portuguese outfit, but not after their kamikaze football had earned them a 2-0 lead.

Steve McManaman weaves his magic

In my opinion, the essential problem with England's game was not their formation, it was poor defending.

Four-four-two does have its restrictions, especially when you take on a side like Portugal who like to pack their midfield.

However, the formation would have earned England three vital points had it not been for mistakes at the back.

Class

For Portugal's first goal, Luis Figo should have been closed down. You can't afford to let a world class player like Figo run at your defence because nine out of ten times he will punish you - and he did.

For the second goal, Sol Campbell allowed a man who was just five foot two to nip in front of him and head the ball past his keeper.

You can't afford to let a world class player like Figo run at your defence because nine out of ten times he will punish you

Alan Hansen

If the Spurs captain had been more aware he would have gone with him and headed the ball clear.

Unlike Beckham's first two assists, the ball into the box was nothing out of the ordinary and Campbell should have dealt with it easily.

Cramp

Finally, for the third Portuguese goal, Adams, who clearly needs to improve his fitness after being forced off early due to cramp, was at fault and should never have allowed Nuno Gomes to steal in front of him.

In a real rollercoaster of a game it went from euphoria to massive disappointment.

However, there were two people in white shirts who deserved to be on the winning side. I thought Beckham and Scholes were sensational and they have every reason to be annoyed with their defence.

Press

Doubtless, the press will slaughter Keegan for his brave but unsuccessful tactics, but it was those same tactics that put England 2-0 up.

The only change Keegan should make for the Germany game would be to bring in Martin Keown, who knows Adams' game inside out.

England have got to be remain positive and believe in themselves more than ever. On Monday night they came across the strongest side in their group.

I feel sure that if Germany and Romania play like they did in their first game, England will beat them both and go on to qualify.