England boss Roy Hodgson accepts side did not attack as well as they could following Gary Lineker criticism

Hodgson also says he has 'no problem at all' with the former England striker after pair exchanged words regarding goalless draw in Ukraine

Roy Hodgson was disappointed that a former England captain, such as Gary Lineker, could be so critical (Getty Images)

England boss Roy Hodgson now accepts his side did not attack with enough conviction in the second-half of their goalless draw in Ukraine on Tuesday.

Hodgson has made peace with Gary Lineker, who was critical of the performance in Kiev.

The England boss believes his reaction to Lineker's comments was exaggerated due to the adrenaline rush that automatically follows a high intensity game.

However, he does concede complaints about England withdrawing as they looked to secure a point rather than claim a victory that would have taken them to the brink of automatic qualification for next summer's World Cup were valid.

"Reflection changes things and makes us look at other aspects of a performance," Hodgson told talkSPORT.

"I am looking at the criticism that we didn't attack as well as we could. I am accepting that as fair criticism."

And Hodgson has been happy to speak with Lineker to resolve their differences.

"I have no problem with Gary at all," said Hodgson.

"I have known him a long time and I understand him as well.

"Gary is saying we defended well and the discipline is good."

Hodgson understands that whilst a point could turn out to be crucial given it keeps England at the top of Group H, three could have meant so much more.

Yet, as he pointed out, his options were so limited it steered England away from taking risks.

"We were so much in control I might have been tempted to throw more attackers on," he said.

"On another day we might have thought let's have a go.

"But we had already lost three quite important players in Wayne Rooney, Daniel Sturridge and Danny Welbeck, in addition to Glen Johnson, Phil Jones and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

"Jermain Defoe had not played a lot of football either because he had a groin injury.

"Nevertheless we are eight unbeaten and whilst we haven't won the away games it does mean the last two games at home will be very difficult for our opponents."

PA