England Under-20s boss Peter Taylor has defended first-team manager Roy Hodgson, claiming that he has been a success so far.

The former West Bromwich Albion coach has come under some criticisms for England's style of play, but Taylor has dismissed them.

Taylor believes that injuries to key forwards have hampered Hodgson, but insists that all the England coaches are delighted to have him as the head coach.

"Our best strikers haven't been fit enough so we haven't got enough of them. Only Rooney's been fit enough. You've got to have goal scorers and centre-forwards who can put it in the net," Taylor told reporters.

"I think all English coaches are delighted that Roy is head coach. He encourages everybody to improve, he puts himself out. He puts on sessions for other coaches to see the type of things he does and would like to be done.

"I think he's been a success and the players more importantly, look as though they're comfortable playing for him. They look very, very organised and I think they're playing good football."

Hodgson's side face Brazil in an international friendly at the Maracana Stadium tonight.