Owen Hargreaves: Roy right for non-vintage England

Former England international Owen Hargreaves has launched a defence of Roy Hodgson's tactical approach since taking the national job.



Hodgson has been criticised in some quarters for how he has set the side out so far, with the defensive line dropping back and allowing the opposition the lion's share of possession.



However, Hargreaves, who came close to linking up with Roy Hodgson when he was West Brom manager last summer, feels the current England crop does not possess the quality to play a more expansive game.



"I was impressed, and one of the reasons I considered going there was his ability as a manager," Hargreaves told Sky Sports. "He's brought that experience to the England set-up, and most importantly the team's going to be difficult to beat. I think the fans would like to see England being a little bit more attacking, but I think the most important thing is that you're in each game.



"If you look at the past teams, then this is probably not the most talented individual team, but if they play together as they did against France, and they find the right balance between attacking and defending, then it can be a very talented group.



"I think in the past we've had one of the most talented teams at the tournament but still failed to reach the levels we probably should have."