After the rather embarrassing exit from Euro 2016 following a loss to Iceland, Roy Hodgson announced his decision to step down as England manager. With the English fans still reeling from another day to forget in major tournament football, the consequences of the result has already begun with Hodgson's four-year reign coming to an end.
England, the overwhelming favourites to beat Iceland in the last 16 of Euro 2016, froze on the big stage again, with their experienced players, Wayne Rooney and Joe Hart in particular, failing to deliver when their country needed them the most, while the youngsters looked like lost puppies, panicking with every passing minute as the clock ticked down.
As good as Iceland were – and they have shown how clear a plan they have and how cohesive a unit they are time and again in this Euro 2016 – there is little doubt that had England played to their potential, Hodgson would not have had to announce his decision to leave the manager's post soon after the 2-1 defeat.
"I'm extremely disappointed," Hodgson told reporters. We haven't progressed as far as I thought we were capable of and that's obviously not acceptable.
"I'm proud of the work my coaching staff and I have achieved during our time at the helm with England. The transition of the squad whose average age is 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 have stayed on for another two years, however I am pragmatic and know that we are in the results business. My contract was 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."
While England may have failed to live up to expectations, despite carrying a number of talented players in their squad, Hodgson was all praise for his players.
"They have been fantastic and they have done everything that has been asked of them," the former Liverpool manager added. "When I arrived I was told that players didn't turn up to play for their country, or that they pull out at the last minute but I've not seen any of that. These players love to play for their country and their commitment has been unquestionable.
""I'm sorry it's had to end this way with another exit from a tournament but these things happen and 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 do it. Thank you very much."
The FA put out a statement, accepting Hodgson's decision to end his tenure as England manager. "Like the nation, we are disappointed to lose this evening and that our run in Euro 2016 has come to a premature end," the statement said. "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. For now, we congratulate Iceland for reaching the quarterfinals and wish them well against France at the weekend.
"Finally, our sincere thanks go to the travelling fans for their incredible support tonight and to everyone back home for getting behind the team."
