Baines: England relieved to come through heavy-handed Honduras clash unscathed

England full back Leighton Baines admits the Three Lions were relieved to come away unscathed from their 0-0 draw with a heavy-handed Honduras team.

The Central American side made little attempt to treat the occasion like a friendly, with several strong challenges flying in, and defender Brayan Beckles ultimately sent off for two bookings.

“I got caught in the first half. There was a bad one on Stevie [Gerrard] in the first half that was reckless, studs showing. There were a few. You’re not looking to pick up more injuries at this stage”, bemoaned Baines.

The Everton man noted that it was important for England to cope with Honduran gamesmanship as well as their rough tactics, with both strategies a possibility from World Cup opponents.

“A few of us got clobbered and got back up. I got booked for literally not touching someone. It’s just frustrating, things like that. It’s disappointing the way they went about some things,”

“We kept our discipline ultimately, and we don’t want to make too much of it. We got through the game with no injuries, and we’re looking forward.”