Roy Hodgson has hit back at Gary Lineker, after the former England international made a few comments via Twitter regarding the squad’s recent underwhelming performance against Ukraine.
Tweeting during the match Lineker said: “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.”
He continued the following day: “Decent result from a team missing a few key players.My only criticism, but it’s a crucial one, was the inability to pass the ball accurately. Effort, defence, tactics, spirit, all sound.
“Roy Hodgson can’t be blamed for some of England’s finest having a bad night. With injured players returning his options will be greater.
“He may play Carrick as he’s the only natural holding player we have, as well as our best passer. But who to leave out? Age old dilemma.
“Finally, I’d like to make it clear that I’m fully supportive of Roy and think he’s doing a good job. Onwards.”
However, Hodgson was told of Lineker’s comments as he returned from Kiev, and didn’t seem willing to take the constructive criticism on board,
“I’m surprised anyone who has played for England, captained England and played in games of this nature can be that critical,” he said. “This is the second time. My disappointment would be that I saw Gary Lineker play, I remember him captaining the team and playing some great games for England but I’m also pretty sure he played in some games when it wasn’t that easy and I don’t think every game he played for England was a total success.
“I try to placate most people but I’m afraid I’ve just seen a group of players missing seven first-team members beat Moldova 4-0 and come to Ukraine and draw 0-0. You can criticise us or praise us or do whatever you want to do but don’t think you’re going to put words into my mouth or get me agreeing with these opinions.
“I’ve been in football for 38 years and I will stick to my opinions. You can have yours, he can have his and anyone else can have theirs for that matter. This is the beauty of football.
“There are 60 million opinions out there but I will be surprised if I am walking down the street in the next few weeks and people aren’t actually saying: ‘You did well in those two games.’ I’d be surprised. But we’ll see.”
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