Italy looked comfortable leaders at the half-time and the Three Lions boss felt that Graziano Pelle’s 29th-minute strike had killed the atmosphere at Juventus Stadium.
"It was a very disappointing first half and the atmosphere of the game was dead," Hodgson said.
Italy 1-1 England
International match
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Tuesday 31 March 2015
"Both teams were guilty of falling into a practice-match atmosphere and there was very little injection of pace so at half-time we weren't very satisfied with that.”
But then Hodgson introduced Everton’s Barkley to play behind the strikers, and Townsend capped off a stirring performance with a powerful equaliser late in the match.
"I thought both Barkley and Townsend turned the game,” said Hodgson. "Barkley in particular was really, really good. Very brave, very courageous, prepared to get on the ball all of the time and prepared to take people on.”Everton schemer Barkley has endured a frustrating season for Everton but Hodgson is in no doubt of his qualities.
The England boss added: "He really is an outstanding young talent. It's great that we've had the chance to have him with us these two games and give him 20 minutes in the first game and almost a half here now.”
Hodgson then cast his mind back to Townsend’s man-of-the-match performance on his debut against Montenegro.
He said: "Tonight is the second time he's come on and when we needed someone to do something a bit special, he's come up with the goods.
"It means a lot to us as it's no mean feat. We know even in a friendly game, to come to Italy at any time and get a result is never an easy thing to do and to take the game to them like we did in the second half, we are indebted to Andros."
