Gary Lineker believes that England's frailties in defence means that Roy Hodgson must deploy an "adventurous" team during the group stages of the World Cup.

Without the likes of John Terry, Rio Ferdinand and Ashley Cole, there have been question marks over the quality of the four-man defensive unit that will take to the pitch in Brazil.

Former England centre-forward Lineker has confessed that he holds a similar concern and as a result, he has urged Hodgson to send out a team that is capable of outscoring the opposition, which initially will be Italy, Uruguay and Costa Rica.

"Roy has to be adventurous and outscore opponents because I fear England will concede goals. Who will create the most chances and who will take them? England need to score goals to get out of this group," he told the Daily Mail.

England's first encounter of the tournament - against Italy - will take place in Manaus a week today.