Monday 8 September 2014 17:42, UK
England "desperately need" to turn on the style against Switzerland for the sake of boss Roy Hodgson, Alan Curbishley has warned.
Hodgson's side take on a team ranked 11th places higher in tonight's opening European qualifier, eager to start the healing process after a demoralising group-stage World Cup exit.
Only Wayne Rooney's penalty saw off Norway in Wednesday's lumpen friendly at Wembley and after a trying week during which the England boss raised eyebrows with an expetive-laden defence of his players, Curbishley fears the mood could turn without a brighter showing in Basel.
"The criticism that's coming out at the moment seems to be stemming from the fact that we don't look like we're going to score many goals and we don't look like creating much," Curbishley, speaking to Sky Sports News HQ on The Morning View, said.
"Roy's been labelled as a defensive coach, perhaps a bit negative, and I feel that the frustration's building up.
"The first game of any tournament can often be quite negative - you don't want to lose - but I'm concerned about us going forward. I think we desperately need a big performance tonight."
England have averaged less than a goal a game over their last 10 fixtures, a statistic that has brought Rooney's place in the starting XI under increased scrutiny.
But Curbishley insists the new captain remains key to a new-look England side and believes Liverpool's Raheem Sterling can instead flourish in the No 10 role.
"It's quite incredible that talk keeps turning back to Wayne Rooney; he's got the captaincy now," Curbishley added.
"It knocked Rooney for six when he was asked to play out on the left during the World Cup. Play Rooney up top and play Sterling - a man right in form - behind him. That keeps everyone happy."
Hodgson may be forced into a midfield change after Jordan Henderson limped out of a training session on Sunday but Ray Parlour, joining Curbishley in the studio, believes Phil Jones could be used in a more advanced role.
"Losing Jordan Henderson would be a big blow," Parlour said. "We know Fabian Delph can play in central midfield but I'd bring in Phil Jagielka and push Jones forward. Switzerland are a very good side and they like to control the midfield.
"Jones offers real versatility - and a physical presence."
Watch highlights of England's opening European qualifier against Switzerland at 10pm on Sky Sports 5.
