England is left looking for a new manager in the wake of its humiliating UEFA Euro 2016 exit to Iceland, as Roy Hodgson offered his immediate resignation.
Hodgson was at the end of his contract, with an extension possible if England made the latter stages of the tournament or generally performed well. It accomplished neither. Hodgson announced in a statement written in the dressing room that he would be leaving the team immediately. His assistants, Gary Neville and Ray Lewington, also have vacated their positions.
"My contract was always up after the Euros so now is the time for someone else to oversee the progress of this young, hungry, extremely talented group of players,' Hodgson said.
"They have been fabulous, and they have done everything that was asked of them. When I arrived I was told players didn't turn up to play for their country or pulled out at the last minute. I have not seen any of that.These players love to play and their commitment has been exemplary. My staff have asked me to speak on their behalf. They came with me as part of my coaching team and they will leave with me.
"Finally I would like to thank all my support staff, the players, the FA and of course the fans. It has been a fabulous journey these past four years. We tried. I would like to thank you the media for the support you have given me. I am sorry it has had to end in this way with another exit but these things happen.
"All I can do is wish everybody the very best and hope that you will still see an England team in the future in a major finals with the success that we have been unable to achieve."
Hodgson became England manager in May 2012, taking over from Fabio Capello.
He led England to the quarterfinals of UEFA Euro 2012, but suffered a group-stage exit at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
France 2016 provided the final embarrassment, however. England finished second to Wales in the group stage and took the lead against Iceland in the last 16 with Wayne Rooney's penalty.
But it conceded from a long throw almost immediately afterwards, and a Kolbeinn Sigthorsson goal on 18 minutes sent Iceland through to a quarterfinal on Saturday against host nation France.
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