Roy Hodgson proud of players and coaching staff despite Euro 2016 shocker

ROY HODGSON quit last night after England slumped to one of the most humiliating defeats in their history.

By Jeremy Cross, Chief Sports Writer

NIGHTMARE: Hodgson had no answer for Iceland

It was a disaster that ranked alongside the 1950 World Cup embarrassment at the hands of the USA.

But this one came against a country that is better known for fishing than it is for football.

Hodgson resigned less than 30 minutes after his side crashed out at the last 16 stage with a quarter-final place against France beckoning.

The 68-year-old read a pre-prepared statement inside the Stade de Nice while delirious Icelandic fans celebrated in the stands.

Wayne Rooney fired the Three Lions ahead with a fourth minute penalty but Lars Lagerback’s men fought back through goals from Ragnar Sigurdsson and Kolbeinn Sigthorsson - after a Joe Hart howler - to produce the biggest win in their history.

Hodgson, who was joined on the dole by assistants Gary Neville and Ray Lewington, said: “I’m extremely disappointed of course about this 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.

“I’m actually proud of the work my coaching staff and I have achieved over our time at the helm of England.

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

“Ray and Gary arrived with me as part of my coaching team and will leave with me. I’d like to thank them for their dedicated support and for the major part they’ve played in our team preparation.

“Finally I’d like to thank all the support start, players, the FA and of course the fans. It’s been a fantastic journey, these four years, and it’s one I’ll look back on or remember with pride.

“I’m sorry it’s had to end this way with another exit from the tournament. These things happen.

“All I can do is wish everybody all the very best and hope that you will still be able to see an England team in a final of a major tournament fairly soon. We’ve been unable to deliver. Thank you very much.”

Hodgson succeeded Fabio Capello in 2012, but despite taking charge at three major tournaments has failed to lead England past the quarter-finals stage.

His decision to quit has now left FA bosses with a major headache because there is no obvious candidate to replace him.

Under-21 boss Gareth Southgate was immediately installed as the favourite, but the FA do not have much time with England starting their World Cup 2018 qualifiers in Slovakia on September 4.

But Hodgson claims the future is still bright and added: “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.

“They have been fantastic and have done everything that has been asked of them.

“These players love to play for their country and their commitment has been unquestioned.”