Hodgson Proud Of England

England coach Roy Hodgson says he’s “very proud” of his side who he believes have put together a “platform” to build on after their opening 1-1 draw with France at the 2012 European Championships in Donetsk on Monday.

The Three Lions boss saw his new side put in a steely defensive display, although he were under the pump at times in the second half as Les Bleus got on top.

However, Hodgson was happy with the point ahead of their next game against Sweden, who lost their opener to co-hosts Ukraine 2-1.

“This gives us a good platform,” Hodgson told reporters after the game. “Hopefully we’ll get fitter. The more we train and get matches under our belts the fitter we’ll become.”

“I have to be proud of their display. No player let us down. I was confident the players would not let us down.”

The England boss, who only took charge of the side less than two months ago, was particularly happy with their defensive organsation and discipline.

“For me, it was a very good team performance. Everybody did their very best to keep us in the game. We defended properly and we attacked properly,” he told ITV.

“I think we played well, we played against a top team, they do ask questions of you, they’re very patient, they’ve got a lot of talented players, when they get the ball in your final third they don’t panic.”

“You have to very disciplined in your defending, to get a 1-1 draw and ask the questions of them that we did, you have to be quite happy.”