Hodgson for England

The FA announced on Tuesday their signing of Roy Hodgson to a 4-year contract as England manager.

Rumors began swirling around the West Brom manager on Sunday after Hodgson openly expressed his eagerness to manage his country’s side should he be offered the position. Tottenham's Harry Redknapp was previously considered, though the Football Association preferred a more experienced Hodgson, whose international resume includes stints with Finland, Switzerland, and the UAE.

West Brom gave Hodgson permission to begin discussions with the FA on Monday. He will remain in charge at West Brom for their last two Premier League matches, against Bolton and Arsenal, before leaving his contract with the team early.

Hodgson takes over from interim manager Stuart Pearce, who oversaw the Three Lions defeat at the hands of the Netherlands in March.

Hodgson stressed the importance of the fans’ backing at his unveiling, saying: ''It is a very proud day for me, I'm a very happy man to be offered the chance to manage my country,'' he said. ''I'm looking forward to the task ahead. Everyone knows it is not an easy one but I'm hoping that everyone, fans and supporters will get behind the team.

 

''It's the team that counts, they go out and win football matches. What I'll do is try to make sure the team is well prepared for the challenge ahead. I'm really looking forward to it.'' 

Hodgson is due to begin his preparations immediately for England's Euro campaign- with matches against France, Sweden, and Ukraine- as well as two upcoming friendlies against Norway and Belgium.

written by Yasmien Mizyed