Hodgson planned to quit during second half – report

Roy Hodgson: Fell on his sword

Roy Hodgson: Fell on his sword

Roy Hodgson plotted his departure as England manager while the Three Lions were losing to Iceland last night, according to a report.

The Daily Telegraph report that the 68-year-old, who will now appear at today’s 4pm press conference, and his coaching staff were contacted by the team’s PR chief during the team’s 2-1 Euro 2016 defeat in Nice.

The Football Association’s head of media operations Joanne Budd was spotted passing on a message to the team’s coaching staff 20 minutes before the final whistle. Budd was seen leaning across a barrier and speaking to a member of the England dugout, according to the broadsheet.

“It is highly unusual for members of the FA’s media team to have any contact with staff during matches – fuelling suspicions that the organisation was already preparing its PR strategy ahead of one of the worst defeats in a competitive match,” claim the Telegraph.

Hodgson then disappeared down the tunnel as the final whistle blew, while Budd was seen in conversation with Gary Neville.

Then just minutes later Hodgson read out a prepared 300-word statement confirming he was standing down as boss and that Neville and Ray Lewington would also leave the FA. A statement which the FA claimed Hodgson had composed in the dressing room.

Hodgson, who won 33 of his 56 games in charge, but managed just one win in his last two tournaments, said : “I’m extremely disappointed of course about tonight’s result and ultimately our exit from the competition.

“We haven’t progressed as far as I thought we were capable of, and that’s obviously not acceptable.”

Roy Hodgson England 4

Hodgson took no questions from reporters after the game, instead only reading the statement composed in the dressing room after the final whistle.

The coaching staff of Gary Neville and Ray Lewington are following Hodgson out, with the pair sat with the outgoing manager in the press conference.

“I am actually proud of the work that my coaching staff and I have achieved in our time at the helm with England,” continued the statement.

“The transition from a squad whose average was 30 to now being the youngest in the tournament is both remarkable and exciting for the future of English football.

“I would have loved to stay on for another two years, however I am pragmatic and know that we are in the results business.

“My contract was always up after the Euros so now is the time for someone else to oversee the progress of this young, hungry and extremely talented group of players.”