England manager Roy Hodgson was “very disappointed in the first half” of their 1-1 draw with Italy.

Graziano Pellè had put the hosts in front in Turin, while Andros Townsend snatched a late equaliser with a fierce strike from distance.

“In the second half we had really good control, but I was very disappointed with the first half. I thought the atmosphere was dead, both teams were guilty of falling into practice match atmosphere.

“In the second half we got back to our high standards,” Hodgson told ITV Sport.

The tactician was criticised for using Phil Jones in a midfield position and he was skinned by Giorgio Chiellini for the goal.

“Michael Carrick did very well, that is his position. I experimented in the first half with Phil Jones and he did very well defensively. Phil Jones then stepped into centre back and did very well.

“It was an experiment but we have to do that in these games. There might be a time where we need a Phil Jones type in that position in midfield.

“Both Andros Townsend and Ross Barkley turned the game. Barkley was very brave. An outstanding talent and I have got to say a word about Andros.

We needed someone to do something a bit of special and he has come up with the goods.”

This result ended England’s run of seven consecutive victories, but Hodgson was still pleased with the result.

“It means a lot to us. It is no mean feat, to come to Italy and get a result, especially to take the game to them like we did. We are indebted to Andros.

“I haven't forgotten the first half, we can't allow that to happen. I don't think anything was good enough. We were lucky they were pretty tame as well. It keeps the momentum going.”

FRIENDLIES RESULTS

Ghana 1-1 Mali
Japan 5-1 Uzbekistan
South Korea 1-0 New Zealand
Singapore 2-2 Guam
China 1-1 Tunisia
Liechtenstein 1-0 San Marino
Tajikistan 2-3 Syria
Mauritania 2-0 Niger
Estonia 1-1 Iceland
Switzerland 1-1 USA
Iraq 1-0 DR Congo
Russia 0-0 Kazakhstan
Sweden 3-1 Iran
Ukraine 1-1 Latvia
Luxembourg 1-2 Turkey
Slovakia 1-0 Czech Republic
Italy 1 - 1 England
Netherlands 2-0 Spain

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