Chorus of support for Hodgson despite World Cup flop

Manager Roy Hodgson is receiving widespread backing to stay in the job despite England’s early exit from the World Cup finals.

Costa Rica’s victory over Italy yesterday made progression mathematically impossible for England. The Three Lions joined Spain, Australia and Cameroon as sides knocked out of the tournament.

After questions were raised over Hodgson’s future, Football Association chairman Greg Dyke said: "I already see people asking the question, 'Will he stay?' The answer is 'yes'."

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Former England striker Alan Shearer told the BBC: "I would give Roy the chance to take England to the 2016 European Championship. He should get the opportunity to finish what he has started."

Leading football writers are also backing the boss. The Daily Telegraph’s Henry Winter writes that: “The flaws of English football run deeper than Hodgson’s limitations”.

Winter argues the current boss must stay because he is “slowly developing a more enlightened style, because the mistakes made against Uruguay were more down to lapses by individual players and because, frankly, the reservoir of high-class, experienced, home-grown managerial talent is painfully shallow”.

Although the Daily Mail's Neil Asthon says Hodgson "has to go", the Mirror’s Ollie Holt argues: “Not only do the calls for Hodgson to be fired make very little sense but they also ignore the fact there is much for England fans to be optimistic about.”

England stars have also rushed to Hodgson’s defence. Goalkeeper Joe Hart has spoken of Roy as a “great manager” he is “proud to play for”, while Leighton Baines says: “We are going in the right direction”.