Hodgson's England formation 'dated and predictable': Lineker

A crestfallen and wearied England team, heavily reduced in number owing to injuries, jet-setted back to Rio de Janeiro following their 1-1 draw against the Republic of Ireland. They are set to go up against the Brazilian national team shortly, and things are not looking promising for the visitors.

Their sordid performance has drawn the ire of many former English footballers, who have lashed out at the incompetency of Roy Hodgson.

Former English striker Gary Lineker has been very vocal about Hodgson’s version of England’s squad formation, which he has described as a tactically regressive display. The England national team’s all-time second highest goalscorer has gone one step further, indicating his true frustration, by calling Hodgson’s strategy- “a step back to the dark ages of two lines of four”.

“Don’t like England playing this system,” he wrote on Twitter. “So easy to play against. Brazil will thrash us if we line up the same way. Predictable and dated. It’s not about playing in straight lines, it’s about playing between the lines. Depth gives flexibility, passing alternatives, creativity.”

Hodgson, however, was quick to defend himself claiming that he had resorted to a rather rigid 4-4-2 formation, suggesting he had drawn inspiration from Borussia Dortmund in last Saturday’s eye-catching Champions League final.

Even with the night being a disappointment for the Three Lions, it was still an iconic moment for Ashley Cole, who received a commemorative golden cap from Hodgson to celebrate a century of appearances for his country.