England defenders are NOT to blame for World Cup flop - Leighton Baines #TheElitePartyInJuly #Entertain9jar via

EVERTON star Leighton Baines has denied that defensive frailties have undermined England's World Cup bid.

 

England's defence has been questioned at the World Cup in Brazil[ACTION]

Following consecutive defeats to Italy and Uruguay, question marks have been raised about Roy Hodgson's defence.

But Baines insists England's backline is not the weakest aspect of the team despite conceding four goals in two games in Brazil.

"I don't think we have given up too many chances in the two games, but when we have, we have been punished," he said.

"The tournament has been a bit like that. There have been a lot of goals so far and we'll have to look at it in the next couple of days."

Both matches have seen England stretched at the back in 2-1 defeats, despite positive attacking play.

Luis Suarez was played onside by Baines’ Everton team-mate Phil Jagielka to net his first of the game last night, before England equalised with a Wayne Rooney tap-in.

Leighton Baines does not feel England's backline deserve criticism [GETTY]

"We got ourselves back in the game and got a bit of momentum going," Baines added.

"With that momentum it felt like we may have been able to go and win it ourselves but we were punished in the end. It is just disappointing.

"It was difficult. I thought we were probably the better team over the course of the whole game but we have been punished by good goals.

"Suarez is a top player. He didn't put himself about as much as he normally would but looked like he was always waiting for that moment, that opportunity to pounce, and he did.

"You are at the top level of the game and it is small margins - we haven't been outplayed in any of the games, we have just come up short maybe.

"I've got to say it does feel like we are moving forward but you have got to find ways to win games, we've not been able to do that and ultimately that could be costly.

"I think there is experience out there on the pitch, we created a few chances as well but we have probably just got to reassess over the next couple of days."

No side has ever progressed to the knockout rounds of a World Cup having lost their first two group games and England seem unlikely to buck the trend.

Roy Hodgson's men require a victory over Costa Rica and for Italy to win both their forthcoming matches in order to qualify.