Sunday 22 June 2014 06:44, UK
England manager Roy Hodgson says his enthusiasm for the job has not been diminished by a disappointing World Cup campaign.
Following a pair of 2-1 defeats to Italy and Uruguay, England have been knocked out of the tournament even before their final Group D match against Costa Rica on Tuesday.
However, the Football Association wants Hodgson to remain in charge and the 66-year-old says he is excited about masterminding England’s Euro 2016 campaign.
"My enthusiasm for football is not likely to wane and my enthusiasm for working with these players is not likely to wane either," said Hodgson.
"I don't have any regrets and I don't think the team let anyone down.
"I think everyone worked very hard and I don't think we could have done any better.
It's very hard to be happy when you lose, results colour everyone's judgement. We have played two experienced and strong teams, and on both occasions we have come second.
"It's very hard to be happy when you lose, results colour everyone's judgement. We have played two experienced and strong teams, and on both occasions we have come second."
England are not short of promising young players and the likes of Raheem Sterling, Daniel Sturridge, Ross Barkley, Luke Shaw and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain could feature in many more major tournaments.
"I think that bodes well for the future," said Hodgson. "I believe England have a very strong basis for a team, it's very young.
"These players, within the space of two years, will play in the Premier League and they will get better and stronger as an England team.
"I have never doubted this team will become stronger and better, and we will just for the moment have to suck on this very bitter pill, that our hopes and dreams have floundered here because we were unable to win the games.
"I don't think we have a problem (regarding the age of the squad).
"Wayne Rooney is 28 years of age, going on 29, and I don't regard 29 as being old.
"Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard are the only 30-plus year olds we have."
