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Roy Hodgson

Roy Hodgson is an English football manager and former player, born in Croydon on 9 August 1947.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Roy Hodgson is an English football manager and former player, born in Croydon on 9 August 1947. He is best known for managing several club sides across Europe and the England national team from 2012 to 2016. His managerial career spans decades, with spells at clubs including Inter Milan, Liverpool, Fulham, West Bromwich Albion, Watford, and Crystal Palace.

Early life and playing career

Roy Hodgson was born in Croydon, England, in 1947. He played football at lower-league and non-league level before moving into coaching.

Managerial career

Hodgson’s coaching career started in Sweden with Halmstads BK in 1976 and later expanded across Europe and the Middle East. He managed a long list of club and national teams, including Switzerland, Finland, the United Arab Emirates, Inter Milan, Liverpool, and England. He won league titles in Sweden and Denmark, and reached major European finals with Inter Milan and Fulham.

England national team

Hodgson became England manager in May 2012 and remained in charge until June 2016. England reached the knockout stages under him but were eliminated at Euro 2016 by Iceland.

Crystal Palace years

Hodgson managed Crystal Palace in multiple spells, including from 2017 to 2021 and again from 2023. Reports describe him as returning to the club after leaving in 2021 and later resuming the role in 2023.

Key facts

  • Hodgson’s managerial career began with Swedish club Halmstads BK in 1976.
  • He managed the England national team from May 2012 to June 2016.
  • He has managed clubs in multiple countries, including Sweden, Switzerland, Italy, Denmark, Finland, Norway, England, and the United Arab Emirates.
  • He won league titles in Sweden and Denmark, and reached major European finals with Inter Milan and Fulham.
  • He returned to Crystal Palace in 2023 after earlier spells with the club.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Roy Hodgson?
Roy Hodgson is an English football manager and former player known for a long coaching career across Europe and for managing England from 2012 to 2016.
When was Roy Hodgson born?
He was born on 9 August 1947 in Croydon, England.
Which national teams has Roy Hodgson managed?
He has managed Switzerland, the United Arab Emirates, Finland, and England.
Which clubs is Roy Hodgson most associated with?
He is strongly associated with Malmö FF, Inter Milan, Fulham, Liverpool, West Bromwich Albion, Watford, and Crystal Palace.
When did Roy Hodgson manage England?
He was England manager from May 2012 to June 2016.
Is Roy Hodgson still active in football?
As of the available sources, he returned to Crystal Palace in 2023 and was described as an active manager.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Hodgson
    Supports: Basic biography, England management dates, and list of clubs managed.
  2. BBC Sport — https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/17893439
    Supports: Birth date, background, and broad outline of his coaching career.
  3. BBC Sport — https://www.bbc.com/sport/articles/c9w42mgrp43o
    Supports: Career span, number of clubs and national teams managed, honours, and England tenure.
  4. UEFA — https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/history/news/0253-0d7dcdce306b-62e539f81771-1000--roy-hodgson/
    Supports: Birth date, nationality, playing career, and coaching career list.
  5. Premier League — https://www.premierleague.com/en/news/3906336
    Supports: Career overview, number of teams managed, languages, and Premier League records.
  6. Crystal Palace FC — https://www.cpfc.co.uk/news/club/croydon-born-and-bred-the-roy-hodgson-story/
    Supports: Crystal Palace tenure and general career narrative.