FORMER Saints and England defender Dave Watson is worried by the lack of cover in England's central defensive positions.

The ex-Dell star, a regular in the England side in the late 70s and early 80s, was concerned about Sven-Goran Eriksson's rearguard options - even before John Terry suffered an injury scare.

"The loss of Rio Ferdinand and the injuries to Gareth Southgate and Jon Woodgate have undermined our chances," said Watson, who won 65 caps and captained his country on three occasions.

"John Terry has come on by leaps and bounds," but he still has a lot to learn, and we'll certainly need to be on our defensive mettle against teams like France.

"We have to close them down and deny them any kind of space. If we can keep it tight and make them pass the ball quickly, then we've got a chance.

"It would give the squad a tremendous boost if they could start off with a win against the French."

Watson, who now runs a successful media link business in Nottingham, believes they will get through the first stage. But then, he says,"it very much depends of the luck of the luck of the draw."

Watson's other fear for England concerns Michael Owen. "If he were to get injured, we'd have a big problem."

Wayne Rooney's club form has been indifferent but Watson says: "He's a different animal when he plays for England. He does things for England that he doesn't do for Everton, but he'll have watch his temperament. There'll be one or two looking to wind him up."

Watson forecasts a good run for hosts Portugal but has an inkling Spain will cast off their under-achievers tag.