England turns national soccer team over to Roy Hodgson

England’s Football Assn. on Tuesday selected veteran West Bromwich manager Roy Hodgson to coach its national soccer team, replacing Fabio Capello, who resigned under pressure in February.

Hodgson, 64, has coached 18 teams -- including the national squads of Switzerland, Finland and the United Arab Emirates -- during a 36-year career. His current 16-month contract with West Brom doesn’t expire until next month, but the club has agreed to release him when the season ends May 13 so that Hodgson can begin preparing for Euro 2012.

England has friendlies scheduled for May 26 in Norway and June 2 against Belgium. The team then opens Euro play against France on June 11.

Tottenham’s Harry Redknapp had long been considered the favorite for the job, which opened when Capello clashed with the FA over the association’s decision to strip John Terry of his captainship after the Chelsea defender was alleged to have made racist remarks during an English Premier League game last fall.

Hodgson’s contract with the FA is for four seasons, which will take him well beyond the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. Hodgson coached Switzerland in the 1994 World Cup in the U.S.

He has also coached for Inter Milan, FC Copenhagen and with several EPL clubs.

“Let’s hope we can get everybody behind us and make certain that we work as a team and help the team get the results everyone in England expects and wants,” Hodgson said.

ALSO:

Galaxy’s Josh Saunders enrolled in drug programIs the Rajon Rondo suspension an appropriate length?

Amare Stoudemire could miss series after reportedly punching glass case

England turns national team over to Roy Hodgson