Roy Hodgson admits it is vital that he wins over the players as he prepares for the challenge of leading England.
New boss also calls for support from public
Roy Hodgson admits it is vital that he wins over the players as he prepares for the challenge of leading England.
The Football Association confirmed the appointment of Hodgson earlier on Tuesday as the new international coach on a four-year contract.
Hodgson has been drafted in as successor to Fabio Capello, who resigned in February after John Terry was removed as England captain.
The 64-year-old held productive talks with the FA on Monday after West Brom granted them permission to open discussions with the experienced coach.
Hodgson, speaking at his unveiling on Tuesday afternoon, admitted it was a 'very proud day' to be appointed the manager of his country.
Proud day
"It's a very proud day for me. I'm a very happy man to be offered the chance of managing my country," admitted Hodgson.
"I'm looking forward to the task ahead. Everyone knows it is not an easy one but I'm hoping that everyone, fans and supporters will get behind the team.
"It's the team that counts, they go out and win football matches.
"What I'll do is try to make sure the team is well prepared for the challenge ahead.
"I'm really looking forward to it."
Big job
Hodgson admits one of his most important tasks is to win over the players in the England squad ahead of this summer's Euro 2012 finals.
"I've been working in this country in the last five years so most players are known to me even though I haven't worked with most of them," he said.
"It's a big job to win people over and I want to win people over with the job I do.
"It's very important that the players buy into what I want to do with the team. It's also important the supporters buy into it.
"Every coach has got to win over the players. It won't be first time I've stepped into a job where I'm meeting players I don't know.
"Part of my job is to win over players, that's every coach's job, to make sure they're united behind the cause. it's the same for players."
