Roy Hodgson blasts England’s flop defenders and tells them to shape up for their Euro 2016
The Three Lions boss was furious with the defending against Turkey and Australia and does not want repeat performances
ROY HODGSON has ordered England’s defenders to sort themselves out ahead of Saturday’s Euro opener against Russia.
The squad arrived in Chantilly yesterday with the slogan “one team, one dream” printed on their bus — but that will be in tatters if they cannot stop the goals going in.
Hodgson was furious with England’s defending against Turkey and Australia recently.
And a source said: “Roy has left the defenders in no doubt that he is not happy with the way they have performed.
“He is worried about the way they have leaked goals and has made it clear they have to get it sorted out.”
Head coach Hodgson was raging at the defending that led to Hakan Calhanoglu’s equaliser in the 2-1 victory over Turkey at the Etihad last month.
He was also angered by Eric Dier’s clumsy header beyond Fraser Forster in the streaky win over
Australia at the Stadium of Light.
Although England kept a clean sheet in the last of their warm-up games on Thursday, Portugal showed limited ambition after defender Bruno Alves was sent off after 35 minutes.
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Hodgson has picked only seven defenders in his 23-man squad and appeared to be focusing on his forward line to outscore the opposition.
Instead, he will tailor training this week around his defence as they aim to start Euro 2016 with a clean sheet.
Hodgson has become increasingly agitated as the tournament draws closer — but he has told his kids not to be overawed by the occasion.
Harry Kane, John Stones, Dele Alli, Marcus Rashford and Raheem Sterling are regarded as some of the brightest young talents in the game.
Hodgson said: “The message really is that we’ve got to approach this tournament without fear. We’ve got to show confidence in ourselves.
“I would like the players to show as much confidence in themselves as we, the coaching staff, have in them — because we know we do have a lot of very talented footballers.”