Roy Hodgson expects solid defence and hard work from Iceland

Thursday 23 Jun 2016
Roy Hodgson

Roy Hodgson and his England squad began preparations for their Euro 2016 clash with Iceland on Thursday morning.

The Three Lions had to wait until Wednesday evening before discovering who their next opponents would be in the round of 16.

After a dramatic late goal from Iceland sealed a 2-1 win over Austria and second spot in Group F for them, Hodgson and his side now know they will face Lars Lagerback’s side in Nice on Monday.

England v Iceland

UEFA Euro 2016
Round of 16
8pm, Monday 27 June 2016
Stade de Nice, France
Live on ITV

And after allowing his squad to enjoy a rest day on Wednesday, Hodgson and his players have now turned their attentions to the next game.

"It's purely and simply one of preparation now, making sure the players know as much as we can tell them about Iceland and the type of game they're likely to face," revealed Hodgson.

"We know Iceland have played extremely well in their qualifying group games, where they topped their group ahead of Holland, and since they've been here they've had some remarkable successes so we know it won't be an easy game.

"I fear it won't differ enormously from our group games because Iceland aren't an expansive team.

"I know the coach Lars Lagerback very well and he always prepares his teams extremely well in that way, so I don't think we're going to benefit from lots and lots of space in the game.

"You take what you get in the last 16 and we're just pleased to be there, so we need to make sure we do enough preparation for the game."

Three Lions boss Roy Hodgson looks ahead to the game with Iceland at Euro 2016

After finishing their Group B campaign in second-place following Monday’s draw with Slovakia, Hodgson knows one area in which his team do need to improve.

Despite enjoying territorial and possession dominance in all three of their games in France so far, England only have three goals to show for it.

And Hodgson wants his side to find their scoring touch as the competition enters its knock-out stage.    

"Their [Icelands’] success has been built on a very solid defensive organisation and an incredibly hard work ethic," he explained.

"We'll have to make certain that we are aware of that and hope that we can keep the domination that we've had in games and the control we've had in the games, but maybe be a bit more ruthless and have more of a killer instinct in front of goal.

"Our ratio of creating chances and taking chances is not good, that needs to be improved and everyone is aware of that so it will be nice if we can start with that on Monday evening."

By FA Staff