Hodgson Quits As England Manager

Iceland – with only a population of 330,000, defeated England 2-1 at the last-16 stage to book their place in the quarterfinals to record their greatest result in the country’s history at the Allianz Riviera in Nice.

The defeat capped a devastating tournament for the Three lions who finished runners up in Group B, after drawing two and winning one of their group games.

Hodgson confirmed his decision immediately after the defeat adding that assistant coaches Gary Neville and Ray Lewington would also leave.

“I’m sorry it will have to end this way but these things happen,” Hodgson said.

“Now is the time for someone else to oversee the progress of a hungry and extremely talented group of players.

“They have done fantastically and done everything asked of them. I hope you will still be able to see an England team in a final of a major tournament soon.”

The 68-year-old won 33 of his 56 games as England boss, but has won just three of 11 games in major tournament final in his four years in charge after replacing Fabio Capello.

He would have been out of contract at the end of the tournament.

A follow up statement issued by the English Football Association following Hodgson’s resignation, read: “Like the nation, we are disappointed to lose this evening and that our run in Euro 2016 has come to a premature end.

“We had high hopes of progressing through to the latter stages of the competition and accept that we have not met our own expectations or those of the country.

“We back Roy Hodgson’s decision to step down as England manager and will discuss next steps imminently.”

Despite winning all their qualifying games, England won only one group game. A 1-1 draw against Russia before beating Wales 2-1 and drawing 0-0 with Slovakia.

Following reports, former Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate is favourite to succeed Hodgson.