Critics Round On England After Abject Draw With Republic Of Ireland
Various former England internationals have been lambasting the national soccer side after a disappointing 1-1 draw with Republic of Ireland on Wednesday evening.
Former Everton striker and England’s second leading goal scorer, Gary Lineker, was the most scathing critic of Roy Hodgson’s men, who only managed to claim a draw thanks to Frank Lampard’s equaliser.
Lineker wrote on Twitter, “Brazil will thrash us if we line up the same way.” He then added, “Even though results haven’t been great, I felt tactically England were maturing, but this is a step back to the dark ages of two lines of four.”
He then added, “Don’t like England playing this system. So easy to play against. Predictable and dated. It’s not about playing in straight lines, it’s about playing between the lines. Depth gives flexibility, passing alternatives, creativity.”
Former Luton Town manager, David Pleat, also added to the criticism, telling BBC Radio, “What England lack, and it’s easy to say this without Jack Wilshere, is a clever midfield player who can open the door: a Glenn Hoddle, a Paul Gascoigne, even a Chris Waddle.”
He then added, “Overall, it was a stiff performance. It lacked movement and variation. The media will have their say but the only thing that counts is what Roy Hodgson concludes from the game. It would be terrible if England didn’t qualify for the World Cup next year. They’re not in the hardest group but they’ve slipped up [in qualifying].”
Danny Mills, who played for England during the 2002 World Cup, also waded into the debate, stating, “When you look at it as a whole, I understand Gary Lineker’s comments. Going back to a 4-4-2 – we haven’t seen that for some time. But it’s not really positions that make a performance, it’s players.”
He then added, “If anything, England were a little bit rigid at times. Also, you have to look at the personnel available to Roy Hodgson. When you look at the players that were on the bench, it is pretty weak. If Brazil are on form at the weekend then I worry that Roy Hodgson’s side will be taken apart.”
England play Brazil on Sunday.
