ONE of England's finest centre-halves urged Sven Goran-Eriksson to strengthen his aerial defences in time for tonight's Euro 2004 quarter-final clash with Portugal.

Dave Watson's big fear for England's prospects of advancing in this tournament stem from their inability to defend set pieces so far.

The former Saints number five, who won 65 caps for England, admits: "There is a lack of a positive mind in the defence to go and head the ball.

"When balls are played in from corners and free kicks, people aren't taking responsibility.

"They are leaving it to others to sort out and that can be a recipe for disaster.

"It's a fundamental part of learning to play as a centre-half.

"You work it out with your partner who goes for what. You tend to go man to man in set-piece situations but the important thing is to attack the ball as soon as possible, usually at the near post.

"What we're seeing is John Terry backing off but no one dealing with the ball early.

"It made us vulnerable against the Swiss and the Croatians although, to be fair, we played a lot better against Croatia.

"The ball was played forward much faster in that game which took pressure off the defence.

"But the biggest danger is coming from free kicks. First and foremost we must try and stop giving away unnecessary free-kicks around the box and I'm sure the manager is perfectly aware we have a problem in that area. With David James reluctant to come for set-pieces, the central defenders have got to take more responsibility dealing with the aerial threat."

It is sound advice coming from Watson, who was one of the finest headers of the ball of his generation.

The former Saints, Sunderland and Manchester City star did actually play for his country in the 1980 European Championship finals when England failed to reach the knockout stages despite a win and a draw in their group games.

Despite the threat posed by the likes of Figo and Ronaldo tonight, Watson feels that many of Portugal's finest players are now "past their best and you certainly can't say that about England. Most of our players are just coming to the boil.

"Portugal are one of the great under-achievers of world football and because of that they are bound to feel under extra pressure in front of their own fans.

"They are going to have to play really well to beat this England side.

"Because of that I would go for an England win - then who knows?"