England 'going back to the dark ages' says Gary Lineker after 1-1 draw with Ireland
England 'going back to the dark ages' says Gary Lineker after 1-1 draw with Ireland
Three Lions legend turned Match of the Day presenter slams manager Roy Hodgson's outdated tactics on Twitter
Retro Roy: England boss Hodgson stuck in the past says Lineker
Richard Heathcote - The FA
Gary Lineker has accused Roy Hodgson of taking England "back to the dark ages."
Three Lions legend Lineker slammed Hodgson's 4-4-2 tactics as England flew straight out to Brazil having been unable to beat Republic of Ireland at Wembley.
Former
England striker Lineker, now a TV pundit, wrote on Twitter: "Even
though results haven't been great, felt tactically England were
maturing, but this is a step back to the dark ages of 2 lines of 4.
"It's
not about playing in straight lines, it's about playing between the
lines. Depth gives flexibility, passing alternatives, creativity."
Lineker's jibe on the social network site brought a defiant reaction from Hodgson who insisted other top teams play 4-4-2.
England boss Hodgson said: "There's been far too much discussion about systems. We look to find systems.
"I
was asked to do programme notes for UEFA about the systems Bayern and
Dortmund and brought to European football, but Borussia Dortmund played
4-4-2 in the same way we played 4-4-2.
"The important thing is to
have players who can attack and defend. We did it. Our front players
worked hard, tracked back and did a job.
"The Irish did too. Keane and Long worked their socks off to make sure we didn't get a numerical superiority in midfield." Thanks Frank: Lampard's equaliser spared Hodgson's blushes against Ireland
Michael Regan - The FA
Hodgson also praised his players for their performance after Frank Lampard cancelled out Shane Long's opener.
Hodgson insisted the only downside was an ankle injury for Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge and that his team did not win.
"I
thought we played well enough, especially in the second half," said
Hodgson. "The quality of the play was good, but I'll give the Irish game
a lot of credit. It was very competitive.
"In terms of what we're asking the players to do, there were a lot of positives from this game.
"It's
a major blow for him (Sturridge), and for us. Daniel had started the
game so well, and the way we played in the second half with Sturridge in
top form we might have created even more. Desperate Dan: Sturridge will miss England's date in Rio
Michael Regan - The FA
"I don't want to say it's a serious injury, but it'll keep him
out for a period of time. I don't think anything's broken, but the
doctor and the orthopaedic surgeon will have to contact Liverpool.
"We think it's ligaments - no break, though."
England left-back Ashley Cole, given the armband to mark him passing 100 caps, admitted it was a dream come true to get the honour at Wembley.
Cole
said: "I never expected to get 100 caps and have the reception I did.
I'd like to thank the fans, I didn't expect that. It's something I'll
never forget.
"I think we should have won. It was a great
atmosphere. Their fans were very good. They were a tough side but I
think we should have won.
"I had no problems with being captain. I don't always like talking to the press but I've lived a little boy's dream today."
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