Roy Hodgson: 'We have to improve to be contenders at Euro 2016'

England boss Roy Hodgson has warned his side that they will have to improve the level of their performances to be serious contenders at Euro 2016.

The Three Lions put in disappointing display in their friendly clash against the Republic of Ireland as they played out a goalless draw at the Aviva Stadium.

Hodgson has insisted that his team have to show gradual improvement in every area to reach the European Championships and be serious contenders for the title next year.

"It's important we are critical and continue to set ourselves high standards," he told reporters.

"We want to go to France and play teams there, and we'll have to play better than we did today."

England have won all of their qualifying matches in Group E and play Slovenia in their next outing next Sunday.