The England boss, Roy Hodgson has come under some scrutiny after the group stages of the Euros 2016. The 68 year old was criticized after England drew with Russia and Slovakia but managed a win over Wales courtesy of a late winner by Daniel Sturridge leaving them 2nd in the group and hence a tougher path now to the semis. England play Iceland next in the round of 16, which if they manage to win, they’ll play Republic of Ireland or the hosts, France.
Hodgson who benched Harry Kane and Wayne Rooney for the game against Slovakia, was criticized heavily by the FA. He made six changes to a team that seemingly played well against Russia, only to be hard done by a late equalizer. The FA chairman Greg Dyke made it clear that Hodgson’s future depends upon England’s performance in the Euros. He further added that a good performance would mean at least an exit from the semis or an unlucky defeat in the quarter finals. Many in the FA hierarchy were appalled as to how England managed to make things difficult for themselves by not topping their group. Facing the hosts France in the semis would be an uphill task if they manage to make it.
Speaking to the press, Roy said
“I’m prepared to carry on,” Hodgson said before Monday’s last-16 tie with Iceland in Nice.
“It is different to wanting it. I’m prepared to carry on if the FA want me to.” Hodgson made it clear he would not ask FA for it.
When questioned about the rumours of his ill-ties with Hodgson, FA chief executive Martin Glenn said
“I actually don’t know where these stories are coming from,”
Hodgson said: “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” said Hodgson.
“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.”
With Dyke to leave the FA soon, Hodgson’s future will be decided by the chief executive Martin Glenn and the technical director Dan Ashworth.
