Hodgson jumps to defence of beleaguered United "destroyer"

Roy Hodgson leapt to the defence of Phil Jones after he was criticised for his performance in England’s 1-1 draw with Italy.

Jones looked off the pace at the bottom of a midfield diamond in Turin and he also allowed Giorgio Chiellini to brush past him and set Graziano Pelle up for Italy’s opener.

Social media was awash with negative reaction to the 23-year-old’s performance, but Hodgson praised the Manchester United man instead, although he admitted his team looked far more comfortable when Michael Carrick was deployed there after coming on for the ill Chris Smalling.