Hodgson: ‘I don’t know what I’m doing here’

Daniel Storey

Roy Hodgson admitted that he didn’t want to face the media after England’s exit and his resignation.

Hodgson was speaking the day after England were humiliated by Iceland and eliminated from Euro 2016. 

After the game, Hodgson read a short statement of resignation, but had clearly been forced to face the media.

“I don’t really know what I’m doing here,” Hodgson said.

“I thought my statement last night was sufficient but I was told it was important that I appear.

“I wasn’t forced to come. I was anxious no one in this room could accuse me of being worried to face the media.”

“I’m no longer the England manager but someone has to take the slings and arrows, I guess.

“It wasn’t a good night for us. We go home as losers and we maintain that wretched record.

“We didn’t see, and my players didn’t see, that performance coming. But Iceland were better on the night.

“It’s a national imperative that we become more resilient in tournaments, punch our weight as we haven’t done for 50 years.

“Of course we’re sorry we couldn’t give the England fans the results they were hoping for. It’s a sad day.”

Hodgson also responded to claims that senior players disagreed with his team selections, saying they must have “disguised it well” if that was the case.

Football Association CEO Martin Glenn defended Roy Hodgson, claiming that he left England in a stronger position than when he took over the job.

“It’s a sorry. When it come to the games that really matter, we have come up short,” Glenn said.

“That’s been an issue for many years. The perennial problem is that England seem brittle in the business end of a tournament. It’s not just Roy Hodgson who has faced that.”

“Iceland were a doughty opponent but we didn’t punch our weight.

“Roy, Iceland is not your epitaph, your legacy. There’s a lot to be grateful for.

“The process for finding new manager is underway. Three-man team picking new manager will be Dan Ashworth, myself and David Gill.

“We are looking for the best person for the job rather than best Englishman.”