Hodgson not surprised to be given England job

LONDON – Roy Hodgson says he was not surprised to get the Football Association’s call to become the new England manager - despite widespread expectations that Harry Redknapp would succeed Fabio Capello.FA chairman David Bernstein revealed the four-man selection committee made the decision to move for the West Brom boss a month ago but only announced their formal approach on Sunday.Tottenham manager Redknapp was not contacted about the job and the formalities were completed on Hodgson’s four-year contract at Wembley on Tuesday, with the 64-year-old insisting his track record always made him a realistic contender to take the job.He said: “Given my CV, I had the right to hope and harbour the wish that the FA, after going through the process, would choose me. I didn’t expect though.“I’ve never expected but always hoped - nobody should expect. I wouldn’t say I was particularly surprised. I was always hoping the choice would be made and would work in my favour.“It’s wrong to ‘expect’ to be approached. Whenever the England job has been mentioned and I’ve been asked my feelings I’ve always said it is up to the FA to take the time needed to go through the process.”Hodgson admitted he would have to gain the backing of the players, including some who had publicly stated their backing for Redknapp.Striker Wayne Rooney had said on Twitter following Capello’s departure: “Got to be English to replace him. Harry Redknapp for me.” Defender Rio Ferdinand tweeted: “Harry Redknapp would be my choice by a distance.”But Hodgson, who has managed 18 teams - including three national sides - during a 36-year coaching career, said he was ready to get their support.“Every coach has got to win over the players. It’s not the first time I’ve stepped into a group I don’t know but my CV suggests I’ve succeeded fairly well with that,” said the former Inter Milan, Fulham and Liverpool manager.

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Hodgson not surprised to be given England job