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Roy Hodgson insists England are not destined for "mediocrity" under his stewardship. Just over two months after England's miserable World Cup exit, international football returns to Wembley next week and public interest and excitement could hardly be lower. The Football Association is bracing itself for a record low crowd when Norway come to north London on Wednesday. Facing the mass media for the first time on home soil since England bowed out of their winless campaign in Brazil, Hodgson tried to strike a note of optimism on Thursday. There were no Churchillian speeches -- that is not Hodgson's way- - but there was a tone of defiance from the England manager towards his critics. FIFA may regard England as the 20th-best team on the planet -- worse than the likes of Greece, Bosnia, Costa Rica and Switzerland -- but Hodgson still rates his squad among the top bracket of international sides. "I'm being accused of leading England to being a second-rate country but I don't think we're heading for mediocrity," Hodgson said. As Hodgson responded to questions about whether he thought he was "lucky" to still be in his job, he looked exceedingly glum. Then the 67-year-old later snapped at one reporter. "Don't try to make me out to be some complete fool," he said. Hodgson insisted he felt no "trepidation" about having one last go at ending England's near 50-year trophy drought, and said he had complete faith in the group of players who emerged towards the end of the World Cup qualifying campaign. The likes of Raheem Sterling, Ross Barkley and Daniel Sturridge lack the experience of Ashley Cole, Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard, who had 327 caps between them, but all is not lost according to the national coach. "I think there's great potential, and there's hope," Hodgson said. "I can't wave the magic wand and bring back a leader in defence, with one or two in midfield and one or two up front. - Hodgson: Van Gaal can help Luke Shaw
- Watch: Rooney the perfect choice for captain "I can't replicate it because it doesn't exist. "But I think in 2016 we will see a good England team." With Barkley and Adam Lallana out through injury, Newcastle midfielder Jack Colback was surprisingly chosen as one of four uncapped players in a squad captained by Wayne Rooney. Twelve are out through injury, including Luke Shaw, Glen Johnson, Kieran Gibbs, Chris Smalling and Jon Flanagan. Hodgson has therefore also picked Tottenham's Danny Rose and Arsenal defender Calum Chambers for the first time along with Aston Villa midfielder Fabian Delph, while Rose's club-mate Andros Townsend returns to the fold after missing the World Cup through injury.
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