Tottenham Hotspur and England winger Andros Townsend has urged focus on England's qualification for the World Cup and not manager Roy Hodgson's half-time comments in the dressing room.

Hodgson said that he was angry that his side's performance was overshadowed by his comments to Townsend by which he meant no offence, and the player himself wants to draw a line under the incident.

"It has all been said now, it has been in the news the last few days and I think everyone should focus on us qualifying on Brazil and not focusing on negative, silly news," BBC Sport quotes Townsend as saying.

"The manager told the player to give the ball to me, so that is a compliment in a way."

The 22-year-old has scored one goal in his two caps for England so far.

Written by
Matt Domm