England must be more dangerous: ex-keeper

Dec 24, 2017 - 2:17 PM Gordon Banks believes England are severely lacking in attacking areas going into June's World Cup in Russia.

Former goalkeeper Banks, who famously lifted the trophy at Wembley in 1966, offered a pessimistic assessment when asked about Gareth Southgate's current Three Lions team.

While he reckons England are decent in defence, he feels they are short of creativity and do not pose enough of a threat going forward.

"They've got to play a bit better. We've got to be more dangerous," Banks told the BBC.

"Defensively, we're not too bad. When we get that ball and get anywhere near that edge of the penalty area, it just collapses.

"We've not got anybody who's got the skill to dribble past people and put them out of the game; we're not creating enough, I don't think."

Banks, who spent the majority of his career with Leicester and Stoke, turns 80 on December 30 and he has received a special birthday message from footballing rival and now friend Pele.

Banks memorably produced a superb save to keep out a header from the Brazil striker during the 1970 World Cup in Mexico.

In his letter to Banks, Pele wrote: "Congratulations on turning 80 years young, you are a goalkeeper, I am a forward but we have a great moment together, especially the 'goal' (Banks' save) that people still ask me about to this day.

"You are legendary, a hero to many, I wish good luck and a happy birthday to you and I stand with the millions of fans and admirers who are celebrating your birthday.

"Good luck one more time and God bless you. Thank you for your contributions to the beautiful game."

Source: AAP