Roy Hodgson: 'The players are excited for the World Cup'

England manager Roy Hodgson has revealed that his players are feeling "excited" ahead of the World Cup this summer.

The 30-man provisional squad is currently out in Portugal, where they are taking part in a pre-tournament training camp.

Despite a number of inexperienced faces involved in the setup, Hodgson is pleased with the enthusiasm that his players are showing.

"I think players are excited to be selected," he told reporters. "Everyone realised my choice was a difficult one. It wasn't just lets take the only ones there, there were a lot more players that could have come so there was tension before.

"There is a feeling of enthusiasm and energy because they are happy they are taking part and leading the way for England."

England's first warm-up match ahead of this summer's World Cup takes place against Peru at Wembley Stadium on May 30.