ROY HODGSON insists he is still the right man to manage England, despite their disastrous World Cup campaign.

England’s fastest World Cup exit was confirmed on Friday when Costa Rica beat Italy, 24 hours after Hodgson’s team lost to Uruguay in Sao Paulo.

Another defeat against Costa Rica tomorrow would increase public pressure on Hodgson, but the FA says there is no chance of the England manager losing his job regardless of what happens in Belo Horizonte.

Hodgson’s tactics and his team selection have been criticised by former internationals including Paul Scholes and Gary Lineker.

But Hodgson has complete faith in his abilities.

“There’s no reason for me to have any serious doubts about the work I’ve done over the years and the qualities I bring to the team,” said the England manager, speaking for the first time since his team’s exit was confirmed and after FA Chairman Greg Dyke announced Hodgson was to stay in his position until at least 2016 and the European Championships.

“I have the backing of the team and the FA and I feel I am the right man to continue.”

England suffered one of their worst results in Belo Horizonte 64 years ago when the United States beat Walter Winterbottom’s team 1-0.

There would be big public dismay towards Hodgson if England were subjected to another humiliation, but having received the backing of his superiors, the 66-yearold is adamant he will not walk regardless. “I shan’t change my mind.

I see no reason to resign,” Hodgson added.

“I feel allegiance to the players and the staff. I think we work well together.

“I accept this campaign has not been good.

“I’m grateful I’ve not been made that scapegoat and that people think I can take the team forward, and that’s what I will be doing.” Gerrard was giving little away about what his gut feeling was on the matter.

It looks as if it will be next month before the 112- cap midfielder goes public with his decision.

“The first person who’ll know is Roy. I spoke to him this morning and said I’d need at least three weeks to clear my head,” Gerrard said.

“I will consider it long and hard, and speak to people who will help guide me.

“I’ll put everyone before myself. I’ve done that all the way through. I’m able to make the decision that’s best.”

Hodgson confirmed after the press conference that Gerrard would start on the bench in the dead rubber against Costa Rica, meaning Frank Lampard will captain the side in Belo Horizonte for what might be his final England appearance.

Gerrard has experienced three penalty shootout defeats with England, a humiliating defeat to Germany and he has been part of a failed qualifying European Championship campaign.

But England’s early exit from this World Cup is one of the lowest points of his international career.

Gerrard was so deflated after the Uruguay game that he did not watch the Costa Rica-Italy game even though the result of that game would decide England’s fate.

“I didn’t watch it all,” he said. “I was flicking to check the score. The last couple of days have been grim.

“I had a tiny glimmer of hope but that made the pain even worse when the game was gone.

“It was a desperate position to be in. To me, that’s not good enough – hoping on others – when you’ve got the talented players you’ve got in this squad.

“When you’re an England player, captain, fan and you’ve worked so hard to get into this position, for two years to get to a World Cup, and had that belief and confidence you’d get out the group, for it to backfire over a few days... it’s a tough place to be in.

“I’m not going to share blame or responsibility, so I’ve got to take it on the chin.”