Joey Barton: I Don't Believe in Roy Hodgson, He's a Worrier Not a Leader
Joey Barton has slammed Roy Hodgson for failing to lead England to victory over Russia, "?Mirror Sport report.
In their opening game at the European Championships on Saturday evening, the Three Lions caught the eye as they played with swagger and exuberance, yet they failed to capitalise upon a host of great chances.
Eric Dier eventually opened the scoring in the 73rd minute with a crisp free-kick but Russia grabbed an injury-time equaliser through Vasili Berezutski.
The result has dented England's confidence but, rather than accusing the players of bottling it, Barton has ripped into Hodgson and questioned his management style.
The midfielder, who recently joined Glasgow Rangers, said "He's not a leader. You wouldn't follow him, would you?"
"He's not energetic. He's not someone you look at and think: 'Wow, I'd love to play for this guy!' He doesn't give you that feeling. He looks boring. He looks like he'd drain the energy out of you because he is a worrier.
"Compare him to Jose Mourinho. If Mourinho was managing England then we'd have won that game comfortably the other night. So, yes, I really do worry about England.
"On Saturday we had a better team than the Russians and I can't criticise the players because the lads played really well and created chances. They could have been a bit more clinical maybe but these things happen. They did enough to win the game.
"The worry is when you play well and don't win matches because the sign of a good side is one that can play poorly and still win. England are the complete opposite of that and I think it's down to the manager because the players are there."
England cut Russia's defence to shreds in the opening period but they couldn't find a way past Igor Akinfeev. After the break, they took their foot off the gas and allowed their opponents to settle, a fact which also infuriated Barton.
He went on to add "They went in at half time and lost all their momentum. But they went in after playing really well, full of confidence. But they came out for the second half and were c***.
"So what's been said in there at half-time? Surely the players should be bouncing off the walls and thinking about going back out to kill the game off.
"But England came out and got worse. So I'm thinking 'What are they saying to them in there?'
9 - #ENG have still failed to win their opening game at a European Championship tournament (D5 L4). Inevitable. #EURO2016
"Then you think about the people in there, the ones giving them information. There's Roy, who I've not got a hugely high opinion of as a manager. I don't care what anyone thinks of him, I don't really believe in him."
Following the weekend's results, the pressure will be piling on England's shoulders heading into their derby clash with Wales on Thursday.
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