Maradona: England ‘short on talent’

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JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - JANUARY 21, Deago Maradona during the visit to Soccer City Stadium, which will stage the opening match and final of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, on January 21, 2010 in Johannesburg, South Africa. Photo by 2010 FIFA World Cup Organising Committee South Africa

Argentina legend Diego Maradona has criticised England’s national side, deriding them as ‘short on talent’ and deserved losers.

The former World Cup winner has accused the side of playing ‘aimlessly’ against Iceland, by whom the English were send packing from Euro 2016 following a shock 2-1 loss.

The defeat by the minnows saw coach Roy Hodgson bow out with immediate effect, while the media have labelled the loss the most humiliating tournament exit in the nation’s history.

‘It was an upset that didn’t look like one,’ Maradona claimed in his Times of India column. ‘Iceland were fairly in command and made their illustrious rivals run around aimlessly, without purpose or venom.’

‘Iceland were fairly in command and made their illustrious rivals run around aimlessly, without purpose or venom.’

Maradona made little attempt to disguise his verdict that England is lacking in sufficient class.

‘England continues to be an over-hyped side, short on talent and steel.

‘Although I’d be surprised if Iceland get past France, the tiny nation has been the story of the tournament so far,’ he added.

Iceland’s quarter-final clash against France will take place on Sunday at the Stade de France, Paris.

Kick-off is at 21:00.