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Hodgson unveiled as England boss
May 1, 2012
The FA has confirmed Roy Hodgson as England's new manager on a 4-year contract.
Hodgson, 64, has been in talks with the FA since Monday aft West Brom granted their coach permission 2 hold discussions over the England position.
The 4mer Liverpool boss emerged as the FA's sole target 4 the position on Sunday, with Hodgson previously open abt his willingness 2 manage his country should the opportunity arise.
Tottenham's Harry Redknapp had been considered the fav 4 the role, but the FA targeted Hodgson due 2 his international experience, as he has overseen positions with Finland, Switzerland & UAE.
Stuart Pearce had been in caretaker charge of the country following Fabio Capello's departure in February, with the Under-21 coach taking the reins 4 England's 3-2 friendly loss against Netherlands in March.
Hodgson will now begin his preparations 4 England's Euro 2012 campaign - where they face Ukraine, Sweden & France in Group D - ahead of friendly matches versus Norway & Belgium.
He will remain in charge of West Brom 4 their final 2 Premier League matches of the season, against Bolton & Arsenal, b4 being released fr his contract @ the Hawthorns.
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Hodgson calls for fans' backing
May 1, 2012
New England manager Roy Hodgson has called 4 supporters 2 back the national side.
Hodgson was, as expected, confirmed as Fabio Capello's successor on a 4-year contract but there has already been much speculation as 2 why bookies' fav Harry Redknapp was not approached.
The Tottenham boss was widely perceived 2 be the popular choice 4 the position, but the FA hv confirmed Hodgson was their 1st & only choice.
''It is a very proud day 4 me, I'm a very happy man 2 be offered the chance 2 manage my country,'' he said. ''I'm looking forward 2 the task ahead. Every1 knows it is not an easy 1 but I'm hoping tat every1, fans & supporters will get behind the team.
''It's the team tat counts, they go out & win football matches. What I'll do is try 2 make sure the team is well prepared 4 the challenge ahead. I'm really looking 4ward 2 it.''
Hodgson acknowledged he did not hv much time 2 settle in2 the job b4 Euro 2012 but said: ''It's going 2 be difficult of course but hopefully I've got time. Obviously I've been working here 4 the last 5 years so the players r pretty well known 2 me even though I haven't worked with them all.
''I've done as much research & spoken 2 as many people as I can.''
Hodgson preferred not 2 answer questions abt picking John Terry & Rio Ferdinand in his squad, or the possibility of selecting Steven Gerrard as captain, but was forthcoming abt the prospect of Wayne Rooney going 2 Ukraine & Poland.
Rooney is suspended 4 England's opening 2 games, but Hodgson appeared 2 put 2 bed any debate abt whether the ManU striker would be part of the final squad or not.
''I'm looking 4ward 2 Wayne Rooney coming 2 the Euros with us & making a contribution even though he cannot play the 1st 2 games,'' he said.
Asked abt England's prospects @ the Euros, Hodgson added: ''England always hv 2 go in tournaments 2 win them becos we r a major football nation. I certainly think the players would be very disappointed if we expected anything less of them than 2 win the tournament.''