England coach Roy Hodgson has angered Premier League managers over his criticism of clubs allowing their players to spend time in sunnier climates during international breaks.

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson was quick to hit back.

Fergie said: "International football interferes with clubs' ambitions.

"They have been playing an international friendly before the season starts for the last decade. Tell me the sense of that.

"Club managers are always in disagreement with international football, particularly in friendly situations."

QPR manager Harry Redknapp declared: "International friendlies are often meaningless games.

"Roy's been a club manager and I'm sure when there was a break he was only too pleased to give players a rest or take them off to train."