Richards lauds Hodgson impact

English Football Association vice-chairman Sir Dave Richards has hailed Roy Hodgson’s ‘Midas touch’ after England’s 3-2 win over Sweden.

Expectations had been at all-time low for England approaching Euro 2012, following Fabio Capello’s resignation as manager and several injury blows.

However, England opened their European Championships campaign with a respectable draw against France and now have every chance of making the quarter-finals after beating Erik Hamren’s Sweden.

Richards told the BBC:

“The way they all want to work for one another and the comradeship behind the scenes is quite unbelievable.

“It’s down to Roy. He seems to have that little bit of a Midas touch.”

Hodgson is yet to lose in four matches as coach, having posted three wins and one draw, and Richards believes the former West Bromwich Albion man has put his own stamp on the England camp.

“He’s brought something a little bit different,” Richards said.

“He’s very progressive in his way.

“It’s something that is a little bit unique – I’ve never seen anything like it before.

“Everybody seems to be in a great frame of mind. The mood is fantastic and the manager is in great form.”