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England looks to the future

england excit from euro2012 finalsEngland coach Roy Hodgson was eager to look to the future after last night exiting  Euro 2012 to Italy on penalties.

Hodgson faces a rematch with the Italians in Switzerland in August before World Cup 2014 qualifying begins the following month with a trip to Moldova and another Euro 2012 repeat against Ukraine at Wembley. Montenegro, Poland and San Marino are also in England's group.

"I've been very happy with what I've seen with this group of players and the way they've responded to the demands of an England shirt. They've shown they're capable of stepping up to the plate."

"They're bitterly disappointed they couldn't take it one step further, but we've got good young players coming through and this experience has been important for them.

"We've also got players of experience in John Terry, Ashley Cole, Joleon Lescott and Steven Gerrard who have shown they're more than capable of seeing us through a tournament like this and can do so in qualifying as well for the next World Cup.

"We'll have a big chance in future when the mood around the team has, at times, been quite negative."

Said Hodgson after lost from Italy.