Euro 2016

[monks data]

European Championship | Group Stage

Jun 20, 2016 at 8pm UK

Slovakia Slovakia
0-0
England

Roy Hodgson: 'Stronger teams might suit England better'

By Barney Corkhill, Editor | 21 June 2016

England manager Roy Hodgson believes that his side might benefit from facing more attack-minded opposition in the knockout stages of Euro 2016.

England manager Roy Hodgson has suggested that facing stronger opposition in the knockout rounds of Euro 2016 will suit his side better.

Failing to make chances count was the theme of England's group stage as they finished second behind Wales in Group B, which is expected to give them a tougher route though the tournament.

However, Hodgson, who labelled the defensive tactics of England's Group B opponents as "embarrassing" after yesterday's 0-0 draw with Slovakia, is hopeful that playing against more attack-minded opposition will give his side the space and freedom to hit top form.

"The way we are playing at the moment, the way we're dominating games, we aren't really frightened of anybody," Hodgson told reporters.

"To be honest it might even suit us if we play a stronger team that actually comes to beat us rather than trying to stop us scoring. That might even work in our favour because we might find some space we can actually exploit behind the defence.

"That's something we haven't really been able to do in the three games. We've had to play in front of the defence because they've played with so many men in defensive positions."

England could face Hungary, Iceland, Portugal or Austria in the last 16.