It was the kick in the teeth from a dentist that brought Europe's highest paid national team coach to his knees. Iceland's part-time national team co-coach Heimir Hallgrimsson, along with Lars Lagerback, delivered the fatal blow to end England's pain at Euro 2016, sending The Three Lions back across the channel with the $6.3 million annual contract of England manager Roy Hodgson in shreds. Ignominious exit: Roy Hodgson. Photo: Thanassis Stavrakis After four years at the helm - and three disappointing major tournaments - England's coach resigned after overseeing what many are calling the most embarrassing defeat in England's uninspiring history. It was the final straw in what has been a slow death. A 2-1 loss to a nation whose population is smaller than Canberra, whose national coach has a second job pulling teeth and players who had only recently turned professional. That their goalkeeper was barely tested by the likes of Wayne Rooney, Daniel Sturridge, Jamie Vardy et al was the greatest indictment on a team that looked deflated, dejected, embarrassed, clueless and disjointed. Iceland coach Heimir Hallgrimsson, left, celebrates with staff after the win. Photo: AP An early penalty was their only real moment of threat on the Iceland goal. For the second time in three days, a key English leader fell on his sword. Much like David Cameron, there was no alternative for Hodgson. This was meant to be the moment England finally stepped out of their shells. A perfect record in qualifying, a team full of young, talented and exciting players - many of whom play together at the same clubs. Instead, under Hodgson's leadership, they were strangers incapable of beating minnows. Much like Cameron, Hodgson's departure was swift after such humiliation. There were no questions from journalists, just a short pre-prepared statement read before the cameras. It left the football world demanding more from Europe's highest paid national team coach. Against an Iceland team unified, brave and fearless, England looked meek. Iceland celebrated wildly after a heroic performance that was as just as it was laborious. They said they would invoke the spirit from the Cod Wars with Britain - their only international dispute - to pull off the unthinkable and topple a team of the highest paid players in the tournament. Humbled? They will be in time. England on Tuesday morning were simply stunned, their team divided and their FA desperately searching for leadership in a time of crisis. For now, Iceland's heroics provided some inspiration and relief for the rest of Europe who now doubt find some solace from current turmoil, laughing at England's expense. Source
