England boss Hodgson to call on Capello ahead of Euro 2012

Posted Monday, May 07, 2012 by Goal.com

England manager Roy Hodgson has stated that speaking with his predecessor Fabio Capello will be a part of his preparations for Euro 2012.

With the tournament just five weeks away, Hodgson has labelled this the "biggest challenge" of his 36-year coaching career, and is already looking at his preparations.

When questioned about Capello, he told The Guardian: "That'd be a good idea. No doubt I will try and speak to him. It's not something I've had a chance to do yet, but it's not a bad suggestion if I can track him down."

Hodgson also explained that Wayne Rooney will play a part for his country this summer despite his two-match ban.

"I'll have to have a long conversation with him and he's part of my plans, and England's plans, for some time to come."

With rumoured factions within the England camp, Hodgson is aiming to instil some unity which he sees as key to any success this summer.

"The most important thing is to make certain the staff, the players and the team get on the same wavelength and sing from the same hymn sheet," he said.

"I was lucky walking into Fulham and West Brom to find players who were receptive. I can only hope I have a similarly receptive group here.

"The most important thing for them is to have a successful tournament and a successful team, and we have to do that together. The only way you can be a successful coach is if you have a successful team.

The former Finland and Switzerland manager is well aware of the enormity of his role and believes being English adds to the pressure.

“This [job] is my biggest challenge, without a shadow of a doubt. The job of England manager is the biggest job, quite frankly. Club jobs interest a lot of people, particularly at big-city clubs with large fan bases, but with a national team you're talking about the interests of an entire nation, and a national game.

“Being English, even more so. In the past when I've been a national manager, I've always done it as a foreigner.

Hodgson is to remain with West Brom until the end of the season and will take charge of their final two league fixtures, but he has conceded that this will be tough for him mentally.

"I'll admit it's going to be very difficult for me to take the last two games at West Brom, as much as I accept it's what the club want and the FA have agreed to. It would be dishonest to say it'll be easy to put this out of my mind and focus in the same way I have been for the last 36 games."