England

Roy Hodgson 'relaxed' over England future

By Daniel Lewis, Senior Reporter | 27 March 2015

England boss Roy Hodgson says that he is "perfectly happy" with his current contract situation, claiming that all focus must simply remain on qualifying for Euro 2016.

Roy Hodgson has maintained that he is not concerned by any talk regarding his England future, insisting that all focus at this moment in time is simply on qualifying for next year's European Championships.

The 67-year-old has been in charge of the Three Lions for three years, although with his deal due to expire next year, questions have been asked over whether he is the right man to lead the national side into the 2018 World Cup finals.

Wayne Rooney yesterday became the latest in a growing list of players to back Hodgson to remain at the helm, while Football Association chairman Greg Dyke revealed that discussions over a new deal are in the pipeline.

Speaking to reporters ahead of this evening's Euro 2016 qualifier against Lithuania, the experienced manager said: "[I am relaxed] - that's what I have been saying all along.

"At the moment we have got an important task ahead of us. It is all very well talking about England in France and what England do in France, but we're not there. We've got six qualifiers to win, six matches to win.

"That's a big enough task, a big enough challenge. I am perfectly happy with that. What I've said when I have been asked a question about my future is exactly what Greg has said. It seems we're all singing off the same hymn sheet there."

England have won all four of their competitive games since last year's disastrous World Cup showing, which saw them exit the competition at the group stage without a single victory to their name.