It has weakened his position as England boss and left his chances of earning a new deal hanging in the balance.

Hodgson has come under fire following Monday night's goalless draw with Slovakia in St Etienne.

He made six changes to his starting XI and left out captain Wayne Rooney before seeing his Three Lions fail to score, allowing underdogs Wales to win Group B.

It means England now have a more difficult route to the final in the knockout stages and could face Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo in the next round.

Instead of being able to remain at their Chantilly base, Hodgson and his squad must now fly to Nice for Monday's last 16 showdown and would have to return to Marseille for the semi-final if they get through.

Starsport understands FA chairman Greg Dyke is fuming with Hodgson for blowing his big chance to win the group.

Dyke and his fellow FA bosses are unhappy with the manager for making so many changes which in turn has made life so difficult in the knockout stages.

Tension between Hodgson and his employers is building as England struggle to make an impact at the tournament.

It is understood the 68-year-old was less than impressed with the timing of an interview Dyke gave on the eve of the Slovakia showdown discussing his manager's future.

Dyke revealed Hodgson had to lead his side to the last four to be certain of getting a new deal and avoiding the axe.

The former Fulham boss is desperate to remain in charge and take England to the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

But events of the past 48 hours have done him no favours.

He remains bullish, however, and insists he couldn't care less if England have to face the might of Ronaldo in the next round.

He said: "We beat them at Wembley (in a friendly earlier this month) and what's more, they have taken two points from their games so far.

"I think we have seen in this tournament that it is not names and reputations, it is what teams do on the field.

"If it is Portugal it is Portugal. I know one thing, I would rather play them in the round of 16 than not be in the round of 16."