World Cup 2014: Roy Hodgson sees 'reason for concern' for England fans travelling to Brazil

However, the former Fulham and Liverpool manager has faith in the tournament organisers

England manager Roy Hodgson, gives the thumb up as he visits the Arena Amazonia stadium in Manaus (GETTY IMAGES)

Roy Hodgson admits he is worried about the safety of England fans at this year's World Cup.

Last year the Confederations Cup was marred by violent protests conducted by Brazilians who were angry at the amount of money their government is spending on the tournament.

While Hodgson is confident about the safety of his England squad, who will be based in Rio de Janeiro, he is slightly apprehensive about the possibility of supporters being harmed.

"As far as we [the team] are concerned we are going to have a lot of protection. It's more for the fans that this is a larger concern," the England manager told the BBC.

"But I have great faith in the government, the local organising committee and FIFA.

"I have to say that I don't want to suggest there is no reason for concern. Of course, there is.

"From my point of view I just have to be trusting in our security, the security of the Brazilian government and all the things that FIFA will do to make it secure for the fans and the players."

Hodgson is in Brazil this week finalising England's logistical plans for the tournament, which kicks off on June 12.

The England manager visited the Arena Amazonia in Manaus where the Three Lions will kick off their Group D campaign against Italy on June 14.

Hodgson also checked out the hotel where England will stop in Manaus and their training base.

The training ground is yet to be completed but Hodgson has no concerns that it will be by the time England arrive in the Amazonian city.

"The hotel is very good," the former Fulham manager said.

"It's newly-built, the rooms are very comfortable and I am perfectly happy with it.

"They are not quite as far advanced at the moment with that as the (almost complete) stadium so it was a bit more difficult to form an opinion because they have still got to lay the pitch and finish off a lot of the work, but everyone told us that they were convinced that by the time we get here in June it will be ready."

Hodgson will spend the next two days in Florianopolis at a workshop which is dedicated to informing coaches and officials about how the World Cup will run.

Despite the odds being stacked against England, Hodgson insists it would be wrong to simply "write off" the idea of ending the country's 48-year long wait for a major trophy.

Hodgson does admit that victory against Italy will be crucial to England's chances, though, and he hopes his recce to Manaus will have helped those chances of coming away with three points.

"It would be very important [to win against Italy] and it would be a tremendous bonus if we can do that," Hodgson added.

"How you go about doing it is by trying to prepare the team as best you can so they are ready for the challenge.

"But there are no magical solutions. Wanting something is no guarantee of getting it but it all comes down to making certain that the team is well prepared for the task ahead of them."

PA