Roy Hodgson says England must change style of play if they are to become a competitive international force

Roy Hodgson: England manager admits Three Lions may have to change style of play

Roy Hodgson says England must change their style of play if they are to become a competitive force on the international stage.

England's lack of technical nous was highlighted during Euro 2012, where they were outplayed in the shoot-out defeat to Italy in the quarter-finals.

Hodgson admits England's poor ball retention was an area of major concern, but feels they have shown signs of improvement since the Euros.

"In the matches since the Euros, particularly against Italy and Moldova, I think we have already demonstrated how we would like our national team football philosophy to be," he said.

"England must maintain possession of the ball better and we have to work hard at international and club level. We know this."
Roy Hodgson

"The coaching staff and I are fully focused on how we intend to go forward and improve our play.

"We can't ignore the trends and it was very interesting to hear what semi-final coaches had to say about possession.

"England must maintain possession of the ball better and we have to work hard at international and club level. We know this.

"England must also show that we are capable of seizing the initiative and dominating games in tournaments rather than holding out against opponents and hitting on the counter-attack.

"In the quarter-final against Italy it was never our intention to sit back but perhaps fatigue set in.

"Don't forget we went into the tournament without several key midfielders due to injuries and therefore had a lack of experienced international players on the bench in that match."

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