Roy Hodgson has announced that he is stepping down as England manager following the national team’s 2-1 defeat to Iceland in Euro 2016.
The former Liverpool boss confirmed his departure in his post-match press conference shortly after the Scandinavian minnows’ shock victory over the Three Lions in France.
“We are out of the Euros so now is the time for someone else to oversee the progress of a hungry and extremely talented group of players,” he told reporters.
“They have done fantastically, and done everything asked of them. When I arrived I was told that players would not turn up or pull out at the last minute but I haven’t seen any of that.”
Hodgson went on to say that his coaching team of Gary Neville and Ray Lewington are also leaving their posts.
He added: “Ray and Gary have asked me to speak on their behalf. They came with me as part of my coaching team and they will leave with me. I would like to thank all the supporters, staff, the FA and the fans.
“I will look back on the four years with pride. I want to thank the media for the support you have given me.
“I am sorry it will have to end this way but these things happen. I hope you will still be able to see an England team in a final of a major tournament soon.”
Iceland pulled off the greatest result in their history, coming from behind to stun England in Nice and reach the Euro 2016 quarter-finals.
A Wayne Rooney penalty kick gave England an early lead in the last-16 contest, but goals from Ragnar Sigurdsson and Kolbeinn Sigthorsson condemned the Three Lions to one of the most humiliating losses in their history and ultimately cost Hodgson his job.
