Hodgson: I won’t beg to stay on as England boss

Daniel Storey

Roy Hodgson is prepared to carry on as England manager beyond Euro 2016 but will not be “begging” the Football Association for a contract extension.

There have been some testing moments since the 68-year-old succeeded Fabio Capello in May 2012, but things appear to be looking up after the World Cup debacle of two years ago.

Hodgson was perhaps fortunate to keep his job after bowing out at the group stage in Brazil, but repaid the FA’s faith by sealing qualification for the European Championship with a 100 per cent record and securing some big-name scalps along the way.

Reports this week have, though, suggested executives at the governing body were unsettled by the wholesale changes made last time out against Slovakia, which ended in a goalless draw and saw them usurped as Group B winners.

It means England are in a much harder half of the draw and hosts France may well lie in wait at the quarter-final juncture should they overcome Iceland in the last 16 on Monday.

Outgoing FA chairman Greg Dyke has made it clear Hodgson may need to reach the Euro 2016 last four to be assured of an extension beyond the end of his contract this summer, but the Three Lions boss will not be begging to stay on for the 2018 World Cup.

“I am prepared to carry on,” he said. “It is different to wanting it. I’m prepared to carry on if the FA want me to.

“If they don’t want me to, then my contract will have run out and that is how that will be, so I’m not begging for the job.

“I believe in what I’ve done in particular over the last couple of years.

“I believe in the team I am working with and believe the team is showing such potential that it will go on to do good things and if the FA want me to continue with me looking after them I will be happy to do so.”