Jamie Carragher insists an astute piece of management from Fabio Capello has ensured England will not be affected too badly by the loss of Ledley King.
Critics have condemned Capello for taking a chance on King's fitness, which was placed under the microscope once captain Rio Ferdinand had been ruled out of the tournament.
Carragher said: "Losing Ledley is a blow. He is a top player and it is unfortunate because it is the same position as Rio. But the manager picked five centre-backs in the squad because he knew there could be problems and his selections have been proved right."
Years | Winners | Runner-up | Third place |
2006 | Italy | France | Germany |
2002 | Brazil | Germany | Turkey |
1998 | France | Brazil | Croatia |
1994 | Brazil | Italy | Sweden |
1990 | Germany | Argentina | Italy |
1986 | Argentina | Germany | France |
1982 | Italy | Germany | Poland |
1978 | Argentina | Holland | Brazil |
1974 | Germany | Holland | Poland |
1970 | Brazil | Italy | Germany |
1966 | England | Germany | Portugal |
1962 | Brazil | Czech | Chile |
1958 | Brazil | Sweden | France |
1954 | Germany | Hungary | Austria |
1950 | Uruguay | Brazil | Sweden |
1938 | Italy | Hungary | Brazil |
1934 | Italy | Czech | Germany |
1930 | Uruguay | Argentina | America |