Five things we learnt from England's 0-0 draw against Ukraine

Roy Hodgson – caution or invention?

England manager Roy Hodgson.

In the pre-match press conference, Hodgson’s demeanour clearly reflected the importance of NOT losing. It would be job almost done for him, if his team comes out with a draw. He had predicted the Ukraine side to start ambitiously, and they did. By half-time, Hodgson was clearly pushing his team to be solid at the back, rather than make exhilarating runs forwards and score goals.

The structural organization achieved under Hodgson has been multi-fold. This has been his style of managing, from Fulham to Switzerland to West Bromwich Albion. But it tricked him at Liverpool. And going by the current England squad, it will not take them too far into the World Cup either.

The motivation for invention up front should not be dwindled in any case, should England dream about being at the top.