ROY HODGSON PAID credit to Ireland for a hugely hard-working performance that secured a 1-1 draw at Wembley, even if one line went a little too far.

“Now we have another test against the Brazilians,” the England boss said. “They play a slightly different style of football.”

Quite. Hodgson, however, was very impressive by the manner in which Ireland made it so difficult for England.

“I thought we played well, especially in the second half but I must give the Irish team credit because this was anything other than end-of-season exhibition. It was very competitive. They made us work very hard and then, when we did create two or three chances, the goalkeeper made very good saves.

“I knew it would be a tough test, perhaps a tougher test than I imagined because they really were firing on all cylinders. It would be hard pushed really if I was to be extra critical. I don’t think there were an awful lot of negatives [for England] other than the fact we didn’t win the game.

“There are opponents in front of you and sometimes those opponents make things difficult for you.”

Hodgson also had special mention for the supporters after a game that had been preceded by a few fears passed without incident.

“I thought both sets of fans were magnificent and I’m delighted because so much negativity. Every time I’m involved in a fixture something is dragged up from the past that adds an aura of negativity to the fixture but nothing tonight. Both sets of fans were vocal and supportive.”

In pictures: How Ireland earned a draw with Roy Hodgson’s Three Lions

Match report: Ireland give England deja vu in friendly draw