Roy Hodgson set for FA talks over vacant England post

After a surprise approach to West Brom, the FA have been given permission to speak to Roy Hodgson regarding him taking charge of the English national team.

Hodgson has long since declared his honour at even being linked with the vacant post, but was seen to have only faint hopes of landing the position, as Harry Redknapp was overwhelming favourite.

However, poor league form in the past couple of months has seen Tottenham’s top four bid fade, and with that Redknapp’s chances of an approach look to have dwindled too.

Meanwhile, Hodgson’s steady guidance of West Brom has continued, and their progression to a mid-table outfit has attracted the FA to his credentials.

The governing body have maintained that Hodgson is the only man they have approached regarding the vacancy, and it is being widely speculated that the former Inter Milan and Liverpool manager could be appointed within the next 48 hours.

A wealth of international experience appears to have boded well for Hodgson, with the FA apparently taking note of his stints in charge of Switzerland, U.A.E and Finland at national level.

Spells coaching in Switzerland, Sweden, Italy, Norway and Denmark have also left Hodgson with an extensive knowledge of varied forms of continental football, which will aid him greatly heading into this summer’s European Championships.

The fact that his Hawthorns contract is due to expire in the summer has also proved attractive to the FA, with a compensation package to West Brom unnecessary.

Public support meanwhile, whilst not on the same level as it appeared to be regarding Redknapp in terms of popularity, looks to be positive overall.

Hodgson has proved himself a very capable manager at Premier League level, and domestically across every league he has worked in.

He now appears set to take on his biggest challenge yet, by taking charge of an expectant country headed into a major tournament.