Roy Hodgson pleads for patience as England prepare to take on Sweden

England manager Roy Hodgson has pleaded for patience ahead of tonight's important Euro 2012 game against Sweden.

England need at least a win tonight - to have the best chance to qualify for the knockout stages.

And Hodgson knows that fans will be expecting at least a positive result.

He said: "One would hope people will be patient. I am satisfied with what I think we are achieving only three weeks into the job.

"Maybe I can't satisfy everyone and other people would like to see more.

"I am realistic and pragmatic. Five, six or seven training sessions into the job we are making a fist of it.

"I am sure we will get better. Just a simple thing like the return of Wayne Rooney will make us into a stronger team and a bigger threat."