Roy Hodgson resigns: England players lost faith in manager for continuing to select Raheem Sterling - reports

England were knocked out of the competition in humiliating fashion by Iceland

Raheem Sterling in action against Iceland (Getty)

Senior members of Roy Hodgson’s squad reportedly doubted the departing England manager’s decision making during Euro 2016, questioning the selection of Raheem Sterling for the 2-1 defeat by Iceland on Monday.

England were knocked out of the competition in humiliating and damaging fashion by a country with a population similar to that of Leicester as Hodgson recalled Sterling, the Manchester City forward, to his starting line-up.

The 21-year-old, signed by City for an initial £44m last summer from Liverpool, had attracted derision on the terraces and on social media after a succession of disappointing displays.

Hodgson’s side finished second to rivals Wales in Group B, which they were expected to win comfortably, before being embarrassed by Iceland in Nice.

The 68-year-old’s management has attracted considerable criticism from all quarters but, according to Sky Sports News, those concerns were shared by some within Hodgson’s changing room.

Despite being popular with his team-mates, the report states that England players were stunned at Hodgson’s preference to play him in crucial matches despite suffering from a crisis in confidence.

Many senior figures are said to have wanted Adam Lallana to start in Sterling’s place but the Liverpool midfielder remained a secondary option throughout the tournament.

Other grievances include Hodgson’s constant formation changes – often switching between 4-3-3 and a diamond system – while others also begrudged him for making six changes for the 0-0 draw against Slovakia.