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Gerrard quick to welcome Hodgson appointment

ESPN staff
May 1, 2012
Will Steven Gerrard retain the England armband under Roy Hodgson? © PA Photos
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Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has welcomed Roy Hodgson's appointment as the new England manager.

Gerrard worked under Hodgson at Anfield during the 64-year-old's ill-fated spell at the club, after which there were reports that Gerrard was unhappy with the tactician's methods and that his disquiet - along with that of other senior figures - played a role in the former Fulham manager's sacking barely six months after joining the club.

Gerrard, however, welcomed Hodgson's appointment on Tuesday - insisting he deserves his chance to take on the role.

"I've worked with Roy," Gerrard said. "He's a good man and a good manager. It's important he's given a chance and I'm looking forward to working with him again."

Hodgson was asked at his unveiling on Tuesday whether Gerrard would be appointed his captain for the forthcoming European Championship in Poland and Ukraine, but avoided making any definitive decision on the issue.

"Will Gerrard be England captain? That's another thing that will have to be carefully thought out," Hodgson said. "It's one of the things that will occupy my time in the days ahead."

Gerrard was not the first England figure to back Hodgson's appointment, with sidelined Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere taking to Twitter to express his hopes for a bright future with the former Inter Milan boss at the helm.

"Not many have the experience that Roy Hodgson has, [he's] proved he is a top manager at international level so I don't see any reason why he can't do it for England... good choice in my opinion!" Wilshere said on Twitter. "Good luck and I hope I can help him in some way in the future!"

Manchester City's Gareth Barry said he was pleased, though a little surprised, by the FA's decision to select Hodgson over Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp, who was understood to be the favourite to take the reins following Fabio Capello's exit in February.

"Such a big thing was made about Harry, everyone else was forgotten," Barry told BBC Sport. "There probably were two runners, Harry and Roy.

"Roy was probably overlooked by the media but they've gone with him and let's see what happens."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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