Defiant Roy: I did not think of quitting job
STEADFAST England manager Roy Hodgson has insisted the thought of quitting never entered his head despite the Three Lions enduring their most miserable World Cup for half a century in Brazil.
Hodgson oversaw the national team’s worst World Cup campaign since 1958 with defeats to Italy and Uruguay preceding a goalless draw with Costa Rica as England finished rock bottom of their group.
But the former Fulham boss is adamant stepping down was simply not an option given the continued support offered by Football Association chairman Greg Dyke and strong backing from within the England camp.
“The FA wanted me to continue in the job, the feedback from the people around the team was the same, therefore there was never any doubt in my mind that I would continue,” he said.
“The fact is I would quite happily relinquish the job any time my employers think they don’t want me anymore, or when I feel the players don’t have the respect necessary or feel they don’t want to continue playing for me.”
Captain Steven Gerrard retired from international duty in the aftermath of the dismal tournament and, while not closing the door on England’s other elder statesman, Hodgson has ushered Frank Lampard towards the exit door.
The midfielder has 106 caps and will continue to play in the Premier League for the next six months during a loan spell with reigning champions Manchester City.
The 36-year-old will then return to parent club New York City FC for the start of the Major League Soccer season in March and Hodgson has suggested Lampard is unlikely to be a regular fixture during England’s Euro2016 qualification campaign, which starts next month in Switzerland.
“It’s not easy when you’re playing in America to go back and forward for the odd England game. It’s not to say it’s not a possibility, but realistically we know that Frank will be 38 in 2016,” added Hodgson.
“We can’t consistently look backwards on these very, very great players who have played over 100 times for England and expect it to last forever.”