Jamie Carragher has questioned Roy Hodgson‘s decision not to bring on Jamie Vardy in England‘s draw with Russia.
The former England international was watching on, like the rest of us, as England lost an injury-time goal to draw 1-1 with the Russians in their Euro 2016 opener.
Hodgson’s men had played well all night, dominating possession and carving out the better chances, but failing to turn all of that into more goals.
Eric Dier did hit the net for the Three Lions in the second half and that looked it was enough to get three points.
But Vasili Berezutski’s looping header in the second minute of injury time grabbed a point for Russia – and broke the hearts of every English player and fan.
Hodgson’s team will earn plaudits for their performance, but the manager might find himself criticised for some unusual substitutions following Dier’s goal.
He decided to bring Jack Wilshere and James Milner on to shore up the midfield rather than introduce Jamie Vardy or another striker to chase a second goal.
Carragher obviously believes Hodgson was wrong to ignore Vardy and shared that on Twitter:
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
It’s hard to disagree with Carragher after seeing Harry Kane struggle to make an impact against the Russian defence.
But Hodgson did get the majority of his decisions for this game right and should feel confident going into Thursday’s game with Wales.
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