Hodgson rejects Lineker criticism

Hodgson rejects Lineker criticism

Hodgson rejects Lineker criticism

England manager Roy Hodgson has defended his team against their critics - including former skipper Gary Lineker - and insisted the 0-0 draw with Ukraine represented a positive outcome from their trip to Kiev.

The result edges England a point clear in Group H.

It means victories at Wembley against Montenegro and Poland will sweep the Three Lions into next summer's World Cup in Brazil.

The margins are tight though, with the loss of any points likely to condemn England to the play-offs, or possibly even worse.

And given they have drawn all four matches against meaningful opposition in this campaign, it is no wonder some are casting a critical eye over Hodgson's team.

Chief amongst them is Lineker, who in a series of postings on Twitter during the match, bemoaned England's inability to keep the ball and questioned why Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick had not been introduced.

"We're seeing a lot of one touch football. England have a touch. Ukraine have a touch. England have a touch...," said Lineker.

"When you see England pass it like they've never been introduced to each other, it does make you wonder why Carrick doesn't feature.

"We're on the precipice here. KEEP THE BALL."

In addition, in a Tweet he subsequently deleted, Lineker said: "Awful. What happens to some of these players when they pull on an England shirt?"



Source : http://www.football.co.uk/england/hodgson_rejects_lineker_criticism_rss4401897.shtml