Roy Hodgson: Former England manager defiant in face of media but admits he ‘didn’t see’ Iceland defeat coming
Former England manager gave first press conference since resigning from post on Monday night
Sponsored by
ROY HODGSON admitted he was hurting after England's humiliating defeat to Iceland cost him his job - but failed to admit that the Three Lions had played poorly in the tournament.
The 68-year-old quit his post on Monday night following the awful defeat to Iceland on Monday night, after three poor performances in the group stage saw England finish behind Wales.
He said: "I don't really know what I'm doing here.
"I thought my statement last night was sufficient.
"My time as England manager has been and gone, but I was told it was important for everybody that I appear.
"I understand that people are still smarting, that someone has to face the slings and arrows that come with it.
"My emotions are obvious. I'm really disappointed."
Despite three poor performances in the group stage - which resulted in two draws and one lucky late win - Hodgson said he was left perplexed by the poor performance.
"I really didn't see this coming," he added.
RELATED STORIES
"Nothing in the first three games gave me any indication that we would play as poorly as we played, but we did.
"It was one of those one-off events where if you don't turn up and play to the level you are capable of, even opponents who are not highly fancied can beat you.
"That's what happened."
There had been reports that senior players had lost confidence in Hodgson and his team selection.
Wayne Rooney denied that was the case, while Hodgson said he never got that impression.
He added: "If it was, then they disguised it very well from myself and my staff.
"There was no indication that they weren't behind us, that they weren't behind the game plans and trying hard to execute."
Hodgson was then asked if he owed the country an apology.
"I am very much part of the team and both myself and coaches feel very sad they we could not deliver what we wanted to.
"The fans supported us brilliantly throughout my tenure.
"Whenever you don't meet expectation it is a sad day."
