Wenger - Hodgson's experience is an asset

By Joe Brewin

Arsène Wenger believes Roy Hodgson’s international experience stands England in good stead for Euro 2012.

Hodgson faces his first competitive match in charge of the national side when the Three Lions face France in Donetsk on Monday.

And Wenger believes the former West Brom manager’s work with Switzerland and Finland, as well as his time in the Premier League, should help his team this summer.

“England have no Rooney, a new manager and have not worked together so it is a quick fix,” Wenger told Arsenal Player. “Can it work or not? This game will be a good indication.

“The opening game is England against France and you would say that is a game you cannot afford to lose. Why? Not so much that you cannot come back but that the pressure inside the country becomes tremendous straight away.

“It can work in their favour [having a new manager] a little bit like it worked for Denmark [who won Euro 1992].

“I believe they have the advantage that Roy Hodgson has managed national teams before and has a good experience of tournaments. He also knows the English players well because he has managed here where all the players play.

“It is not unknown territory and you would say at the moment that England struggle more to find confidence and unity. If they can manage to do that, he can do very well.”

Watch the full interview with the boss on Arsenal Player now.

• Euro 2012 coverage on Arsenal.com