Roy Hodgson: 'England must keep ball better'

England manager Roy Hodgson has expressed his belief that his side must keep the ball better if they are to become an international force.

Spain's 'tiki taka' style of football has drawn plaudits throughout world football as well as helping them become the first side to win three major international tournaments back-to-back.

England, meanwhile, have failed to make it past the quarter-finals since 1996, and were limited to just 36% possession on their way to elimination at this summer's European Championship at the hands of Italy.

"We can't ignore the trends and it was very interesting to hear what [Euro 2012] 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," said the veteran manager.

"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."

England's next match comes at home to San Marino on October 12.