Ben Foster mounts a defence of England plight

Foster was back in the national squad for the recent double-header against San Marino and Montenegro which has left Roy Hodgson's team with plenty of work to do to reach Brazil 2014.

FIFA yesterday dropped England three places to seventh in their rankings but Foster believes the draw against surprise group leaders Montenegro has been under-estimated by the critics.

And the familiar flak which greeted that performance didn't sour his return to an international scene which he still believes will see Hodgson lead England to the finals.

He said: "I think we're still in quite a strong position. I think people look at the teams in our league and think we should absolutely walk it.

"It's never the way and I don't think it's the way for any of the teams in qualification. You go to teams like Montenegro and the atmosphere is so hostile.

"They had a guy with a megaphone who went on all game long and I don't know how that's allowed. I haven't got a clue how that's allowed.

"You couple that with the fact that the pitch is nothing shy of the sort of park pitch I played on when I was 12.

"It was a really tough place to go."

Foster stepped out of the international consideration for two years to help overcome injury problems and spend more time with his young family.

But he was delighted to accept Hodgson's recall and reports the former West Brom boss is a winner with the England players.

He said: "He's exactly the same as he was when he was at West Brom. It's nice to see he is still the same.

"He's a top, top guy and a top coach. You can just see how well the lads have taken to him as well.

"He's always the same in training and, if he's not happy with the session, he will bring the lads in for a little huddle.

"As soon as he opens his mouth, the lads listen to every single word he says.

"Everybody appreciates and knows he knows football like the back of his hand."