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"Attack wins you games; defence wins you titles," said Sir Alex Ferguson. Fans expect teams to drive forward in search of goals. But teams with stable defences are the ones who usually emerge from the perilous group stages at international tournaments.
In the recently concluded Euro 2020, the two finalists - England and Italy - were both among the top three defences out of the 24 participants. Teams try to refrain from rotating at major tournaments. But a deep squad helps them get there in the first place by navigating the gruelling qualification stage.
On that note, here's a look at the five national teams with the best defensive depth at the moment:
#5 Spain
The current Spain team's defence arguably isn't as good as it should be. On paper, there is a wealth of experience.
Most defenders in La Furia Roja's squad are above the age of 25. Eric Garcia (20), Pau Torres (24) and reserve keeper Robert Sanchez (23) being the only exceptions. All their defenders are regular starters at club level, including back-up keeper David de Gea.
Spain weren't particularly solid at Euro 2020, keeping only two clean sheets in six games while conceding six goals. Five goals conceded in eight 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers makes for slightly better reading. Spain did concede in both their recent Nations League games as well.
Options in defence: Unai Simon, David de Gea, Cesar Azpilicueta, Daniel Carvajal, Aymeric Laporte, Eric Garcia, Pau Torres, Inigo Martinez, Diego Llorente, Jordi Alba, Jose Gaya, Sergio Ramos, Nacho, Raul Albiol.
#4 Italy
Euro 2020 champions Italy are another team with a veteran defence, but their defenders are ageing like fine wine.
The Azzurri were the third-best defence at this summer's tournament. They conceded four times in seven games while keeping clean sheets in all three of their group stage fixtures. Italy didn't concede more than one goal in any of their outings.
Italy also boasted the joint-best defence in the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, conceding just twice in eight games. Unfortunately for Roberto Mancini's side, their defensive record was matched by Switzerland, who pipped Italy to top spot in Group C. As a result, Italy must get through the tricky playoffs to make it to Qatar.
Meanwhile, six of Italy's 12-man defensive unit at Euro 2020 were older than 30. Only superstar keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma and Inter Milan centre-back Alessandro Bastoni, at 22, were below the age of 25. Although Italy don't have as many big names at the back as Spain, the Azzurri's defenders are hardened by playing in the physical Serie A.
Options in defence: Gianluigi Donnarumma, Salvatore Sirigu, Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Leonardo Spinazzola, Emerson Palmieri, Giorgio Chiellini, Leonardo Bonucci, Alessandro Bastoni, Alessandro Florenzi, Rafael Toloi, Gianluca Mancini, Davide Zappacosta.
#3 Brazil
Typically known for their flair and attacking prowess, Brazil have been transformed by Tite into a formidable defensive unit. Despite their heartbreaking loss in this year's Copa America final to Argentina, the Selecao were the joint-best defence in the tournament, along with their bitter rivals. Both teams conceded just thrice in seven games.
Brazil are firmly on top in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers, though. Tite's men are unbeaten in 13 qualifiers they have played so far, conceding only four goals.
The Selecao's defence is balanced. Eder Militao, Gabriel and Renan Lodi are all only 23. Alex Sandro and Danilo are 30, while Marquinhos is in his prime at 27. Miranda (33) and Thiago Silva (37) are the oldest defenders in the squad.
Options in defence: Alisson, Ederson, Alex Telles, Alex Sandro, Danilo, Gabriel, Marquinhos, Thiago Silva, Emerson Royal, Miranda, Renan Lodi, Eder Militao, Diego Carlos.
#2 France
Armed with numerous elite defenders who start regularly for their clubs, France have enough depth at the back to rank first on this list. Unfortunately for Les Bleus, their defence in 2021 failed to replicate the form that helped them clinch the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Didier Deschamps' men kept four clean sheets in seven games in Russia three years ago. At this year's Euro 2020, though, France kept one clean sheet in four fixtures and crashed out after conceding thrice to Switzerland in the Round of 16.
Things, however, have gone much better in FIFA World Cup 2022 qualifying. France have secured a direct ticket to Qatar after conceding just thrice in eight games. They are tied with Denmark and England for the second-best defence in the qualifying round in Europe.
Time is firmly on France's side. Apart from captain Hugo Lloris (34) and his back-up Steve Mandanda (36), none of the defenders in Les Bleus' Euro 2020 squad were above the age of 30. With Jules Kounde, Dayot Upamecano, the Hernandez brothers, and Benjamin Pavard all 25 or younger, the French defence's future is secure.
Options in defence: Hugo Lloris, Alphonse Areola, Benjamin Pavard, Lucas Hernandez, Theo Hernandez, Ferland Mendy, Lucas Digne, Dayot Upamecano, Raphael Varane, Jules Kounde, Presnel Kimpembe, Kurt Zouma, Clement Lenglet, Ibrahima Konate.
#1 England
Say what you want about Gareth Southgate. But there's no denying he has turned England into one of the finest defensive units in the world. The Three Lions are usually associated with star midfielders, but it is the current squad's backline that has impressed with its resilience.
England had the best defence at Euro 2020 by some distance, conceding just two goals in seven games. More impressively, they didn't concede from open play even once, with both goals they conceded coming from set-pieces.
The 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers were no different. England have secured direct qualification for next year's tournament after conceding just thrice in ten games. The Three Lions were tied with France (who played two games fewer) and Denmark for the second-best defensive record in Europe.
Gareth Southgate has an exciting group of youngsters to choose from. Of England's Euro 2020 squad, only Kieran Trippier and Kyle Walker, at 31, were over 30.
Their most recent squad comprises Aaron Ramsdale, Ben White, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Reece James and Ben Chilwell, who are aged 25 or under. Meanwhile, Luke Shaw, John Stones, Harry Maguire, Jordan Pickford and Tyrone Mings are all in their prime.
Options in defence: Jordan Pickford, Aaron Ramsdale, Dean Henderson, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Reece James, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Kieran Trippier, Kyle Walker, Harry Maguire, John Stones, Fikayo Tomori, Ben White, Conor Coady, Tyrone Mings, Luke Shaw, Ben Chilwell.
