Roy Hodgson has resigned as England manager after a 2-1 defeat to Iceland sent his side crashing out of Euro 2016.Wayne Rooney had given England an early lead from the penalty spot
but Iceland quickly equalised through Ragnar Sigurdsson before Joe
Hart’s error allowed Kolbeinn Sigthorsson’s to score the winner in the
18th minute.
Hodgson’s contract was set to expire after the tournament and the
68-year-old has confirmed that he will step down as manager, with his
assistants Ray Lewington and Gary Neville also leaving their roles.
Reading a pre-prepared statement during his post-match press
conference, Hodgson said:
“My contract was always up after the Euros, so
now is the time for someone else to oversee the progress of this young,
hungry and extremely talented group of players.
“They’ve been fantastic and done everything that’s been asked of them.
“When I arrived, I was told players didn’t turn up to play for their
country, or pulled out at the last minute, but I’ve not seen any of
that. These players love to play for their country. Their commitment has
been unquestionable.
“Ray [Lewington] and Gary [Neville] have asked for me to speak on
their behalf. They arrived with me as part of my coaching team and they
leave with me. I’d like to thank them for their dedicated support and
the major part they played in the team’s preparation.
“Finally,
I’d like to thank all the support staff, players, the FA and, of
course, the fans. It’s been a fantastic journey these four years and
it’s one I’ll look back on with pride.
“I’m sorry it’s had to end this way with another exit from the
tournament but these things happen. All I can do is wish everybody the
very best and hope you can still see an England team in a final of a
major tournament very soon.”
