England boss Fabio Capello defended his decision not to play Steven Gerrard in central midfield for last night's draw with the Czech Republic.

The decision was criticised by Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp who was working as a television pundit.

"He did not play left, so you have to explain that," Capello said.

"We played 4-3-2-1; (Jermain) Defoe, Gerrard and (Wayne) Rooney, then three midfielders.

"In that position you have to play between the lines of the full-backs and midfield.

"I decided before the games that Rooney and Gerrard, they had only played one game, will play this for an hour."