Hodgson: Beckham retirement signals end of a golden era

The England boss has hailed the former Three Lions captain's stellar career and hopes he will consider continuing to work in football in future

England manager Roy Hodgson has paid tribute to David Beckham's "glittering" career but hopes he remains active in the game when he hangs up his boots.

The 38-year-old announced he will retire at the end of the current season on Thursday after two decades at the top level and Hodgson was quick to hail the midfielder's remarkable career.

"I congratulate him on a glittering career and wish him well in the future, whatever he chooses to do, and I personally hope that will be in football." Hodgson told Sky Sports News.

The 65-year-old today announced his 22-man squad for the upcoming friendlies against Republic of Ireland and Brazil and despite the retirement of several experienced players, Hodgson believes the future is in safe hands.

"It’s a strange week for me first seeing Rio (Ferdinand) retire, not so long back John Terry and now David Beckham, it does seem that a golden era may be approaching its end," he added.

"But the players I’m working with now and the players of the future have got some very important people to look up to. If they can get anywhere close to those players, I think our future in England is pretty well assured."

With his future plans still unclear, Hodgson hopes Beckham remains involved in the professional game.

"David is a man with many talents and a lot of people will now be offering him different jobs, different roles, some of which could take him away from football, but I’m rather hoping we will be able to keep him in football," he said.

"We could benefit from his experience, we could benefit from his charisma, and benefit from the magnificent past he has had as a football player."

Hodgson also revealed that Beckham, despite not being involved as an international player under him, had been in contact with him to wish the side well.

"He [Beckham] has been very good since I have become national coach," he said.

"I didn’t know him too well before taking the job, but since I have been appointed he has been unbelievably supportive, if only with things like text messages wishing us luck.

"In David Beckham England has a big fan, a great supporter."