SHAUN CUSTIS
ROY HODGSON insists Euro 2012 is ‘not the be all and end all’ as he plans England’s long-term future.
The new Three Lions manager was satisfied with the 1-0 friendly win in Norway on Saturday.
But Hodgson does not believe he will put his stamp on the England team until the next World Cup.
He said: “I am looking beyond the Euros. The fact is, I have my sights fixed firmly on the future.”
Hodgson wants to build his side around Wayne Rooney who is banned for the the first two games of this summer’s European Championships.
Ashley Young played in Rooney’s position and scored on Saturday.
Hodgson added: “I signed a contract to do this job over the coming years. I also want to do well in the Euros.
“But I’m not prepared to make the Euros the be all and end all in terms of the way I want to play.”
Hodgson fears Rooney’s absence against France and Sweden could be crucial.
He added: “The way forward is going to be with two strikers. We all know Rooney is best in that No 10 position.”
