Angry Gary Lineker blasts Roy Hodgson and Steven Gerrard over England’s World Cup failure

Former England striker turned BBC Match of the Day anchor man Gary Lineker has hit out at Roy Hodgson’s tactics and
branded the home nation’s group stage exit in Brazil a ‘humiliation’.

The former Tottenham and Barcelona striker believes that Hodgson’s decision to play 4-2-3-1 instead of 4-3-3 was wrong due to the side’s lack of experience.

Lineker also blasted Steven Gerrard by explaining that his inability to organise and lead the side correctly also contributed to England’s first group stage exit since 1958.

Although he was heavily critical of Hodgson’s tactics, he was pleased that he blooded a number of youngsters in tournament conditions.

The thing I find strange is that anyone is surprised England have gone out. Lineker only needed to ask any Liverpool supporter prior to the World Cup regarding England’s chances with Hodgson in charge after his disastrous short spell in charge at Anfield.

Reds supporters couldn’t get rid of him quick enough and it isn’t really a surprise to see England go out so soon.

However, Lineker’s comments are out of order regarding Gerrard because he has been an inspirational and organisational leader at Liverpool for a number of years – and to say that he hasn’t the organisational skills to lead England is rubbish.

England had good players in their squad and Hodgson selected probably the best players he had available but he just didn’t give the players the freedom to express themselves in the final third.

With the likes of Wayne Rooney, Daniel Sturridge, Raheem Sterling and Danny Welbeck in attack, they should have been causing all sorts of problems, but Hodgson restricted them to stay in their positions, whereas they should have been allowed the freedom to rotate positions similar to the way Liverpool play.

[METRO UK]