Hodgson focused on football (From Kidderminster Shuttle)

Hodgson’s contract is due to expire after EURO 2016 in France – which England is well on course to qualify for – but the 67-year-old would be eager to stay on in the role.

Hodgson has travelled to St Petersburg in Russian Federation to attend the qualifying draw for the 2018 World Cup, at the Konstantinovsky Palace with his side among the nine top-seeded countries.

Hodgson said: “Regarding my own future, I am fully focused on preparing England for the Euros and – like the players – am determined to make an impact on the tournament”.

[England draw Scotland, Spain to face Italy in World Cup qualifying].

“For me, it is all about the draw and ensuring that the team are doing all the right things on and off the pitch to prepare long-term for the tournament in Russian Federation”. We have a good nucleus of young players in the current senior team who could be a big part of this tournament and it’s our job at the FA to ensure they fulfil their potential.

The former Liverpool boss said: “It is a great honour to be England manager – I shall be delighted to retain that position all the time people want me too, but it won’t occupy my thoughts at this point in time”.

Scotland, ranked 29th in the world by Federation Internationale de Football Association, 20 places below England, lost 3-1 to their nearest neighbours in a friendly last November but have enjoyed a largely impressive qualifying campaign so far for Euro 2016, where they remain in contention to reach the finals.

“The games will excite the public, get people in the mass media very excited too, it is a good draw all round – I think Scotland will be happy with it and we are certainly happy with it”.

England have won their opening six games and are confident of qualifying for the Euros in France next year. This follows our recent match against Italy.

“We will be looking to organise reciprocal matches with most of these teams during the World Cup qualification period (2016-2018)”.