England manager Roy Hodgson and captain Wayne Rooney spoke about the Icelandic character ahead of the Round of 16 match between the two sides on Monday (27th June).

SOUNDBITE: (English) Roy Hodgson, England manager (on opponents Iceland):

I don't know the Icelandic people as well as some of the other Nordic countries but I think also the character of the Icelandic people, their determination, their ability to survive through hardships - I am certain that has been a major factor in their progress as well. We find ourselves getting ready to play them and we will have to accept the title of favourites, and they can go into the game as underdogs. But we know, perfectly well, that whether we title them favourites or underdogs, it is going to be a very, very difficult game for us and they are going to be a hard team to beat."

SOUNDBITE: (English) Wayne Rooney, England captain (on opponents Iceland)

"We respect Iceland in what they've done in this tournament. I think the size of the country is (just) a number. They put the same amount of players on the pitch as we do. It's a fair game in that respect and we hope we can go out and win. We have to play our game and not concentrate or worry on what Iceland will do and if we do that we are confident that we can win the game."