Hodgson Confirmed As England Manager By FA

Roy Hodgson has been confirmed by the Football Association as the new England team manager.

A press conference at Wembley was told the 64-year-old had signed a four-year deal to take charge of the national team, taking him through to the end of Euro 2016.

FA bosses revealed they had decided on Hodgson around one month ago and made their approach after his West Bromwich Albion side drew against Aston Villa on Sunday - guaranteeing their Premier League survival.

And the new manager - who won the job ahead of favourite for the job, Harry Redknapp - said: "It is a very proud day for me, I'm a very happy man to be offered the chance to manage my country.

"I'm looking forward to the task ahead. Everyone knows it is not an easy one but I'm hoping that everyone, fans and supporters will get behind the team.

"It's the team that counts, they go out and win football matches."

Hodgson acknowledged he did not have much time to settle into the job before the European Championships, which start in June.

He said: "It's going to be difficult of course but hopefully I've got time.

"Obviously I've been working here for the last five years so the players are pretty well known to me even though I haven't worked with them all. I've done as much research and spoken to as many people as I can."

Hodgson revealed he had received a voicemail message from Redknapp after his imminent appointment was announced.

"I hope we remain friends," he said.

"I appreciate the fact he sent me a message."

And he said he had not made a decision on who would captain his team, but said he "looked forward" to Wayne Rooney taking part in Euro 2012 - despite the striker's suspension for the first two games of the tournament.

But Hodgson said he preferred not to talk about the tensions surrounding the potential selection of both John Terry and Rio Ferdinand.

A statement on the FA's website points to the eight league titles Hodgson has amassed during a career that has also featured stints in charge of the Switzerland, Finland and United Arab Emirates national teams.