Experienced coach determined to give his all to England post
Last Updated: June 16, 2012 3:43pm
Roy Hodgson: Has made a positive start to his reign as England manager
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Roy Hodgson is reluctant to be drawn into a debate regarding his coaching credentials, with his England appointment a matter for others to discuss.
The Football Association's decision to hand the 64-year-old the national reins in the wake of Fabio Capello's resignation came as something of a surprise, with Harry Redknapp
widely considered to be the leading contender for the role.
widely considered to be the leading contender for the role.
Hodgson's vast experience, including stints in international management, ultimately worked in his favour and he accepted the challenge of leading the Three Lions into Euro 2012 and beyond.
into Euro 2012 and beyond.
His first four games have brought three wins and a draw, and England are closing on a place in the quarter-finals of this summer's European Championship.
Hodgson appreciates that he may not have been everybody's first choice as national coach, but is delighted to have been offered the opportunity to lead his country and intends on giving his all to the position.
Asked if he felt like a worthy successor to Capello, a man with a glittering coaching CV, Hodgson said: "The FA chose the man they wanted for the job.
Job
"The FA chose the man they wanted for the job. Luckily that was me and I was more than happy to accept it."
Roy HodgsonQuotes of the week
Roy HodgsonQuotes of the week
"Luckily that was me and I was more than happy to accept it.
"I don't comment about what's written about me.
"I try to do my job and rely on the fact I've been doing it for 36 years and am looking forward to doing it for a few years in the future."
Hodgson's early success has seen him lean heavily on a crop of talented youngsters, with Danny Welbeck netting two crucial goals to suggest a bright international future awaits.
netting two crucial goals to suggest a bright international future awaits.
Manchester United's 21-year-old striker would appear to have cemented his place within the England ranks for many years to come, while the likes of Jack Rodwell,Jack Wilshere, Tom Cleverley and Chris Smalling could figure prominently in 2014 World Cup qualification.
21-year-old striker would appear to have cemented his place within the England ranks for many years to come, while the likes of Jack Rodwell,Jack Wilshere, Tom Cleverley and Chris Smalling could figure prominently in 2014 World Cup qualification.Pleasure
"All teams need to know that, even if they've had an excellent generation of players, there's something coming along that'll replace them and put players in the team under pressure."
Roy HodgsonQuotes of the week
Roy HodgsonQuotes of the week
Hodgson has already shown that he is prepared to put his faith in youth, but he is also quick to point out that the more experienced members of his squad still have a big part to play.
"It does give me great pleasure," he said, when asked about the young players 'clicking' following a thrilling 3-2 victory over Sweden on Friday.
on Friday.
"But I have to be pleased with the older guard as well.
"John Terry and Joleon Lescott in particular were very good against a Swedish team that can ask a lot of questions.
in particular were very good against a Swedish team that can ask a lot of questions.
"In midfield, Steven Gerrard gave another captain's performance.
gave another captain's performance.
"All teams need to know that, even if they've had an excellent generation of players, there's something coming along that'll replace them and put players in the team under pressure."
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