Hodgson proud of his work

England manager Roy Hodgson believes the next person to take charge of the national team will have a good platform to build on after his own good work.

The 68-year-old was appointed Three Lions boss back in 2012 and the recent qualifying campaign for Euro 2016 has increased the optimism ahead of the major tournament in France this summer.

England won all 10 of their matches as they topped Group E, with captain Wayne Rooney and Arsenal’s Danny Welbeck grabbing seven and six goals respectively.

Tottenham’s Harry Kane has also burst onto the international scene and he managed to find the back of the net three times in qualifying as his growing reputation continues.

Hodgson has been blessed with several attacking options and the likes of Everton’s Ross Barkley, Spurs youngster Dele Alli and Leicester City’s Jamie Vardy have all established themselves in the senior set-up.

England’s squad has a very youthful look at the moment, with Eric Dier, John Stones and Jack Butland also becoming squad members over the past year.

The future certainly looks bright for the 1966 World Cup winners and Hodgson, who revealed he would step down after Euro 2016 if the public wanted a change, believes the next boss will be well-set for success.

“When you take over the job as England manager, you are a custodian,” he said. “Whatever happens, I will be quite satisfied that I’m leaving a foundation and a group of players and a body of work that someone can carry on.”

England, who are 11.00 to win the tournament in France, have been drawn against Wales, Slovakia and Russia in the Group stage and they are priced at 1.11 to qualify for the first knock-out round.