Roy Hodgson confirms psychologist appointment

England manager Roy Hodgson has revealed that Dr Steve Peters has been appointed as the team's psychologist.

Hodgson admitted during an interview last month that he would consider the use of a psychologist at the World Cup to boost his side's chances of winning any penalty shootout that they may enter.

Speaking about the arrival of Peters, Hodgson told reporters: "We have to make sure that all benefits that might help us win more matches, go further in the tournament are exploited.

"He will really come into his own when we are in the tournament and he has time to work with the players, rather than the day or two around friendlies. We have the chance to work with one of the best in the field to make sure they are mentally prepared for the job ahead."

More recently, Peters has been working with Liverpool and has struck up a positive relationship England skipper Steven Gerrard, who added: "He has helped me a lot from a personal point of view. He helped me with a groin problem in 2010 when I feared for my career. I saw him in a one on one situation and I liked his work and continued to see him. I feel he can help the players if the players buy into what he is trying to do.

"He has helped me with my mental preparation, injuries and I've played my most consistent form for Liverpool and England since seeing Steve."

Out of the last 10 major tournaments that England have competed in, they have exited six of them through defeats on penalties.