Leading article: Not such a bad start for Roy Hodgson

Monday 25 June 2012 15:27 EDT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Given that Roy Hodgson only took over the management of the England football team on 1 May, it would be somewhat hypercritical to lay the blame for their Euro 2012 defeat in Kiev on Sunday night solely at his door.

In fact, judging by progress so far, there is much to be said in Mr Hodgson's favour. Notwithstanding their rather lacklustre performance against Italy, England have, on the whole, played decent – albeit not world-beating – football. And they did behave well, both on the pitch or off it (as, indeed, did the fans).

There are, then, positives to take away from 2012, for all the sad predictability of our quarter-final departure from an international championship. The challenge now must be to focus on the technical skills at which England were so demonstrably outclassed. Next time, perhaps, Mr Hodgson. Meanwhile, the nation's attention shifts to Andy Murray.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in