Match of the Day pairs Roy Hodgson with Gary Lineker Roy Hodgson will go on BBC's Match Of The Day on Saturday to discuss and defend his England team. The show's presenter, Gary Lineker, described England's performance against Ukraine last month as "awful" in a tweet which he quickly deleted. Lineker, the former England captain, has made a series of strong comments on Twitter about Hodgson's players, expressing critical sentiments that many agree with. "What happens to some of these players when they pull on an England shirt?"" asked Lineker of the poor passing against Ukraine, also questioning why Michael Carrick had not started. When you see England pass it like they've never been introduced to each other, it does make you wonder why Carrick doesn't feature. We're on the precipice here. On being informed of Lineker's tweets, Hodgson said: "I don't think every game he played for England was a total success."" The following day, Lineker issued a series of emollient tweets, saying "decent result from a team missing a few key players. My only criticism, but it's a crucial one, was the inability to pass the ball accurately. Effort, defence, tactics, spirit, all sound. Roy Hodgson can't be blamed for some of England's finest having a bad night. With injured players returning his options will be greater. He may play Carrick as he's the only natural holding player we have, as well as our best passer. But who to leave out? Age old dilemma. Finally, I'd like to make it clear that I'm fully supportive of Roy and think he's doing a good job. Onwards."" Hodgson subsequently telephoned Lineker to smooth matters. "He understands my situation and he understands me,"" Lineker told BBC Radio 5. So all is now well with the world. But I will continue to give my opinion on Twitter."" Lineker did just that on Thursday, responding to Hodgson's 23-man squad with a tweet that: "There should be enough quality in the England squad to see off 2 mediocre sides and qualify for brazil 2014. Let's hope they all stay fit."" Whether Montenegro and Poland will appreciate being called "mediocre" is something that Lineker and Hodgson can discuss on Saturday evening, also hoping that none of his players succumb to injury. Hodgson will have watched Manchester City and Everton on Saturday lunchtime and then goes to see Spurs take on West Ham on Sunday. The England squad meet up at St George's Park on Monday, using one of the rooms named after Lineker. "The ex-players I've spoken to have been very positive about our performance,"" said Hodgson of the backlash against England's 0-0 draw in Kiev. Mark Cole, Lead Executive Football, BBC said: "We're delighted to have Roy in the studio and it will provide a good opportunity for the England manager to monitor so many of his squad ahead of those crucial World Cup qualifiers. Roy spoke to Gary after the draw in Ukraine and we're delighted to have the two of them together to discuss all of Saturday's action and look ahead to next week's matches. With Alan Shearer in the studio as well, we have the experience of 143 international caps and 78 goals, so few are better placed to discuss the weekend's action and the national team with the England manager.