That one is for you, Roy! Tottenham ace Andros Townsend repays Hodgson's faith

ANDROS TOWNSEND’S stunning equaliser repaid Roy Hodgson’s faith in him last night – but England were brought down to earth when technical problems with their flight forced them to spend an extra night in Turin.

Townsend celebrates with club-mates Mason and WalkerGETTY

Townsend celebrates with club-mates Mason and Walker

“I was delighted,” said Townsend. “It was a difficult game and hard to break them down. It was going to have to be a strike from 25 yards to score today. The manager stuck by me through the tough times and every time he has shown me loyalty I have repaid that.”

The celebrations were cut short by the news that instead of getting home by around 2am this morning, the players would not be back at their respective bases until this evening. “We only know it’s a technical issue,” said Hodgson.

“At the moment we have a midday slot – it’s the only one we could get. It’s a shame because we like to get back straight away.” Hodgson could kill the time by reading criticism of his decision to select Townsend in the first place – particularly from ex-England international Paul Merson who said he should be “nowhere near the squad”.

Not bad for a player that should be ‘nowhere near the squad’ eh Paul Merson?

Andros Townsend

Townsend replied: “Not bad for a player that should be ‘nowhere near the squad’ eh Paul Merson?”

Hodgson said: “It’s because of the qualities he brings. Andros has that ability to get turned around very quickly and run at enormous pace with skill at defenders, and that’s something defenders don’t like. In a squad of 20-odd players, there should be a place for guys like him because he’s a game changer. It means a lot to us.”

The winger had missed the World Cup through injury and only flew to Brazil as a TV pundit.

England had started the game poorly with the experiment of playing Phil Jones at the base of a midfield diamond failing miserably, as Southampton striker Graziano Pelle gave Italy the lead in the 29th minute.

“I haven’t forgotten the first half,” said Hodgson. “We can’t allow that to happen. I was very disappointed.”

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