FA back Hodgson after manager apologises over monkey joke

Roy Hodgson has been assured there is no discontent within his squad after details of a joke he told in the England dressing room found their way into the media.

The Football Association has given England manager Hodgson its full backing over the quip about a monkey in space, which he made at half-time during the 2-0 World Cup qualifying victory over Poland on Tuesday.

Hodgson told the joke to illustrate why his players should give the ball to winger Andros Townsend but was forced to apologise yesterday after claims it was racist.