Sports Letters: Drop in standards

Sir: Sam Delaney (Sports Letters, 8 April) makes some valid criticisms of Tony Adams: at times his control and passing fall short of perfection. Yet he sells the man short by limiting his strengths to being a good header of the ball and a competent tackler. He is a leader, inspiring those around him. Adams also scores goals: four in 23 appearances for England. In a perfect world England would have Des Walker playing at the back with a Bobby Moore. Adams's real test will come against the Dutch. I think he has learnt a great deal since the 1988 European Championships. Time will tell.

Yours faithfully,

ANDY NEILL

London N16

8 April