Roy Hodgson came in for some criticism on Saturday night following England’s 1-1 draw with Russia.
England were clearly the better side, but failed to make their chances pay and suffered a late sucker punch when Vasili Berezutski scored a looping header.
The England manager brought five strikers to Euro 2016, but left three of them on the bench, deciding to bring on Jack Wilshere and James Milner rather than Jamie Vardy, Daniel Sturridge or Marcus Rashford. All of whom finished the Premier League season well and had the pace to trouble Russia’s creaky defence.
Former England defender Jamie Carragher, who played under Hodgson at Liverpool, questioned the decision to leave Vardy on the bench late in the game when Russia were pushing for an equaliser.
Didn't deserve that, played very well. One gripe, if you don't bring Vardy on in that game when else would you? Pace on CA & ageing CB's.
— Jamie Carragher (@Carra23) June 11, 2016
Rio Ferdinand was also pretty spot on with his assessment, asking why would the manager bring so many attacking options, only to leave them on the bench when the game had opened up.
Substitutions questionable last night – you take 5 strikers and dont use them. Game was calling for Vardy, sturridge or Rashford. PACE!!
— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) June 12, 2016
Maybe they can get Gary Neville to pass on some advice to Roy Hodgson.
