It’s been a bad week for England.
The turmoil in the country caused by the decision to leave the EU has now been followed by a humiliating exit from Euro 2016 as England were outplayed and out-thought by a brilliant Iceland side.
Within minutes of the final whistle Roy Hodgson announced that he would not be continuing as manager.
Instead of conducting a press conference, Hodgson read a pre-prepared statement.
A statement it seems that he had written BEFORE the defeat by Iceland.
This didn’t go down well with lots of observers.
Jesus. HE ACTUALLY HAD RESIGNATION LETTER WRITTEN BEFORE GAME?!!!!!!!!!!!!
— Chris Bascombe (@_ChrisBascombe) June 27, 2016
Roy Hodgson reads speech at press conference to announce he is quitting, with Ray Lewington & Gary Neville alongside him – who will also go
— Sam Wallace (@SamWallaceTel) June 27, 2016
So Hodgson's pre-match prep included writing up a resignation speech!? Before a game against Iceland!?
— Richie Sadlier (@RichieSadlier) June 27, 2016
https://twitter.com/Jack_Websterr/status/747541972202721280
Imagine having a pre prepared resignation statement before you play Iceland in the knockouts 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
— TW (@DubsHercqnandez) June 27, 2016
Roy Hodgson's resignation statement looked so well prepared! Probably the only thing he prepared for before the Euros! #ENG
— Rajiv ⭐️⭐️ (@RajivPerumal) June 27, 2016
In his statement Hodgson put special emphasis on how young this current group of England players are and paid tribute to their commitment and desire to play for their country.
“My contract was always up after the Euros, so now is the time for someone else to oversee the progress of this young, hungry and extremely talented group of players,” he said.
“They have been fantastic and they have done everything that’s been asked of them,” he added – although given tonight’s performance, some might well question that.
“When I arrived, I was told that players didn’t turn up to play for their country.
“I’ve not seen any of that. These players love to play for their country and their commitment has been unquestionable.”
“These things happen,” he added after thanking the FA, his coaches and the England supporters.
No further questions were to be asked. And with that, Roy Hodgson’s time as national team manager was done.
