The Football Association’s general secretary said that in steering the Three Lions to this summer’s World Cup in Brazil, Hodgson had already achieved the “pass mark” for continuing on to the European Championships in France in two years’ time.
“I think Roy has been brilliant. He's exactly what we hoped for”
Alex Horne
Horne told The Times: "For me personally, Roy is our manager to France and I'm happy with that, very happy with that.
“I was one of the four guys who appointed Roy, went through the process. I think he's been brilliant. He's exactly what we hoped for."
“He’s stabilised the team he inherited - at short notice. He’s qualified us well, in a tricky group. Again, these things always look OK on paper but then you a runaway team like Montenegro...
“He kept his head, got a great result away in Ukraine and convincingly won the last two – so I’ve got huge respect for him and his team of Gary Neville, Ray Lewington.
Horne was cautiously optimistic of England’s chances for the World Cup, where the varying climates are likely to pose Hodgson’s squad with a major challenge.
Roy Hodgson applauds England fans after sealing qualification
England travel to Portugal after the end of the English domestic season, before travelling to Miami for friendly matches against Ecuador and Honduras on 4 and 7 June.
“We go with confidence. It’s not an easy group, it’s not an easy tournament,” Horne said.
“We cross our fingers a bit for injuries, like we always do at this point in the season.
“I think we’ve laid it out very carefully in terms of understanding Brazil, in terms of understanding the climate. We’ll prepare well. I think Miami is a great preparation for us.
“We go optimistic that we’re going to go and enjoy it... that we’re going to play well.”
