Former England defender Gareth Southgate believes that referees face a tough job over the judgement of tackles.

Vincent Kompany, Glen Johnson, Frank Lampard and Jay Spearing have all seen different interpretations of the law in recent months for challenges that they have made.

While Kompany and Spearing saw red for their tackles, Lampard and Johnson remained on the pitch for similar incidents.

"I'm very conscious, as a former player, that I don't want to be one of those who says, 'Well in my day...', because the game has changed, but there has to be some physical element to the game," said the FA's head of elite development.

"I think we all welcome that skilful players get the chance to exhibit what they are good at, and I think it is important they are protected.

"But there has also got to be a physical challenge to the match and that shouldn't disappear. The judgment of challenges is a really tough one."

Southgate retired from playing in 2006 after an 18-year career.