Roy blasts desert rats

ROY HODGSON has torn into England’s desert rats.

The England boss slammed clubs who allow their players to use international breaks as sunshine holidays.
Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand sparked anger when he withdrew from last month’s World Cup qualifiers against San Marino and Montenegro on fitness grounds — then flew to Qatar as a TV pundit.
Hodgson said: “Club football needs international football. It’s a great pity that we’re suggesting that international football should be relegated to a lesser stage.”
Arsenal’s Jack Wilshere also travelled to Dubai in March.
Hodgson added: “It concerns me that we are guilty of accepting it’s the international break so we can give the player 10 days off or go to Dubai.
“Club bosses have no excuse. If your players need a rest it can be done during the other 40-odd weeks of the year.”
His words will be seen as a thinly-veiled attack on Ferdinand, who was the target of vitriolic chants by England fans in San Marino and Montenegro.
England coach Gary Neville, meanwhile, admits the Three Lions’ hopes of success are harmed by the number of foreigners in the Premier League.
He said: “There’s a tipping point and we’ve gone beyond it.”