Published: 25th May 2012
ROY HODGSON begins his England reign in Norway tonight determined to prove he is the man for the job.
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The new Three Lions boss, preparing forEuro 2012 next month, said: “I’ve the experience and knowledge to lead the nation to the future, I’d like to think so.
“If this squad is anything like as good as we think they are, and if the players we have making their way in the Premier League are anything as good as we make them out to be, then you have to believe that England has a future.
“What interests me about this tournament is that it’s a learning curve for me to see how people react to and before games, in training etcetera.
“It will be important for them. They’ve played in the past and had good and bad moments.
“But after South Africa there are a lot of people who want to prove they are that good.”
Asked if he deserves the job to succeed Fabio Capello, the former West Brom and Liverpool chief said: “I’ll only deserve it if things go well, but I’ll do my best to try and see they do go well.”
Hodgson will also be choked with emotion as he takes England into a new era.
He said: “I’ll certainly feel proud. I shouldn’t feel surprised. I’ve had quite a lot of good offers of top jobs in my time.
“I’m very pleased to have this one, but surprise shouldn’t be a factor.
“Nervous? Less so against Norway or against Belgium. I am more curious about what I’m going to see and find out. If I should be nervous, it will be before we play against France in the opening game.
“But when the day comes that you don’t feel nervous before a game, that’s the day when you’re losing your passion and real desire.”
With Danny Welbeck still struggling with an ankle injury, Hodgson will unleash Andy Carroll against Norway, who are managed by ex-Wimbledon chief Egil Olsen.
Hodgson said: “I’ll be expecting what I saw from him in the latter stages of his Liverpool season when, against top-class teams, he played really well.
“It’s important Welbeck does get fit so I have two players of similar type, competing for the places.”
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