Euro 2016

Roy Hodgson 'excited' by England future

By Daniel Lewis, Senior Reporter | 28 August 2014

Roy Hodgson insists that there is no reason for any trepidation or fear as England look to bounce back from a disappointing World Cup campaign.

England manager Roy Hodgson has stressed to his players that there is no reason to be fearful heading into the Euro 2016 qualifiers.

The Three Lions, who finished bottom of Group D at the World Cup earlier this summer, kick off a fresh campaign against Switzerland early next month.

Hodgson named a new-look squad earlier today ahead of the friendly match against Norway at Wembley, while Wayne Rooney was announced as the new captain.

"I don't think there is any reason for trepidation," the 67-year-old told reporters at Wembley. "With these players we are bringing into the squad, and don't forget there's no Theo Walcott, Ross Barkley or Adam Lallana, I see no reason for us to be fearful.

"It will be exciting but there will be some anxious moments to see how these players step up. We've been a bit unlucky that our first qualifier is arguably our hardest one and these players may not get the soft introduction they may have had."

England's meeting with Switzerland kicks off at 7.45pm next Wednesday.