June 12, 2012 - 7:56 AM
DONETSK, Ukraine - England's opening draw against France has showed just how hard it'll be to break them down at the European Championship, but their exhausting, defensive tactics rely on veteran players and have won few admirers.
Scott Parker and Steven Gerrard, charged with taking the sting out of the French attacks, are both in their 30s and endured grueling club campaigns.
Gerrard has had niggling injuries in recent years, while Parker has required a painkilling injection to keep him going.
Against France, the England players wilted in the Ukrainian heat and now have four days to recover before taking on Sweden in its second group match in Kyiv on Friday.
Some British media praised coach Roy Hodgson, while critics said his tactics were negative.
News from © The Associated Press, 2012