The Irish took the lead with a superb header from West Brom hitman Shane Long on 13 minutes, before a mistake allowed Frank Lampard in to finish smartly to bring England level 10 minutes later.
Lineker described England’s 4-4-2 line-up as ‘a step back to the dark ages’.
Adding that should England adopt similar tactics against their next opponents Brazil on June 2 they’d be easily beaten.
England were second best in the first half and despite improving after the break still lacked penetration and creativity.
Former England fullback Danny Mills defended England’s players to a degree highlighting the fact that the game had come at the end of a long season for many of the players.
England were excellent in their last game against Brazil, which many had hailed as a hint of a turning point in the style of the English national game, but the appearance that they’d gone backwards has frustrated many pundits and commentators.
“Even though results haven’t been great, I felt tactically England were maturing, but this is a step back to the dark ages of two lines of four,” said Lineker.
“Don’t like England playing this system. So easy to play against. Predictable and dated.
“It’s not about playing in straight lines, it’s about playing between the lines. Depth gives flexibility, passing alternatives, creativity.”
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England defender Phil Jagielka on England 1-1 draw
