England boss concedes early exit.England manager Roy Hodgson admits his side’s hopes of progressing to the knockout stages of the 2014 World Cup are ‘small’ after defeat to Uruguay on Thursday night, BBC Sport reports.
Liverpool striker Luis Suarez scored twice in a 2-1 win for the South American side, either side of a Wayne Rooney equaliser in an otherwise disappointing display from the Three Lions, who did not look as sharp or attack-minded as they did for much of their first game against Italy.
No side in World Cup history has progressed to the knockout stages after losing their first two games, but England are still clinging to the hope that group favourites Italy can do them a favour by winning both of their remaining games, starting tonight against Costa Rica.
Hodgson’s side would then need to collect three points in their final game, as well as notching up a good enough goal difference to see them progress ahead of Uruguay and Costa Rica.
However, the England boss already admits to being in a bitterly disappointed mood after his side’s first two results, saying: “I’m really bitterly disappointed. We came with such high hopes and have not been able to deliver. It is a major sadness for me.
“I’m numb really – numb with disappointment and sadness that so many hopes and dreams and so much work has been blown away.
“The hope is small. Had we drawn the game I would even have been tempted to say to you the chances were good. Now we need Italy to win both their games and that is not guaranteed.”
The former Fulham and West Bromwich Albion manager added that he would not be looking to resign from the post, saying: “I don’t have any intention to resign. I’ve been really happy with the way the players have responded to the work we’ve tried to do.
“I’m bitterly disappointed, of course, but I don’t feel I need to resign, no.
“On the other hand, if the FA think I’m not the right man to do the job, that will be their decision not mine.”
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