Roy Hodgson believes managing England at the FIFA World Cup is the pinnacle of his career and is determined to succeed in Brazil.
The 66-year-old replaced Fabio Capello in May 2012 after the Italian tendered his resignation, and Hodgson successfully guided England to the football s showpiece tournament without losing a game.
Hodgson who managed Switzerland at the 1994 tournament was in charge for England s UEFA Euro 2012 campaign, but he feels leading his country at the World Cup will surpass that moment.
Yes, I suppose it is (the biggest moment of my career), he said. Going to the Euros was previously the biggest, they re both superb tournaments.
Going into this tournament, I ve been with the players for two years, I feel more at home; everyone s aware of what is needed. We re determined not to let the opportunity slip by.
England play the first of three warm-up friendlies against Peru at Wembley on Friday, with several members of the team looking to impress.
Ahead of that match, Hodgson reiterated his belief that he has chosen a squad capable of competing at the World Cup, and insisted there will be no excuses for failure from himself or captain Steven Gerrard.
He added: It s a squad I ve chosen that I m very pleased with. You won t hear any excuses from myself or Steven, we believe we re in the right place to do this.
Hodgson also echoed Jack Wilshere s praise of Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger over the Frenchman s management of the midfielder, who suffered a foot injury at the back end of the season.
I was never worried about Jack, he continued. I think Arsene is a very well balanced and intelligent coach and he realises Jack has an opportunity to do well here, so he didn t bring him back from injury too early.
Hodgson added that full-back Luke Shaw is doubtful for the Peru encounter due to a cold.
