Roy Hodgson makes no apologies for possessing a nasty streak, nor does he care about being flavour of the month – all he wants to do is right the wrongs of England’s dismal World Cup campaign.

England will play their first competitive game since their winless run in Brazil tonight when they take on Switzerland in Basel.

Supporters made their unhappiness clear last Wednesday when they stayed away in vast numbers for England’s narrow friendly win over Norway, which came in front of just 40,181 people.

Pundits have lined up to question whether Hodgson is the right man to lead England forward and polls have been conducted to gauge public sentiment about the 67-year-old’s suitability for the role.

But Hodgson is unswayed by those casting judgement on him.

“Popularity doesn’t really mean much to me,” he said. “There may have been a slight swing in popularity after the World Cup. I’d have been surprised had there not been. I will have to live with external ideas and thoughts and accept them.

“The real support and popularity is with the group of players I work with.”

Hodgson caused controversy after the 1-0 win over Norway when he said his critics were talking “absolute f****** b*******”.

The England boss, an urbane and well-educated man, was branded ‘Roy of the Ravers’ as a result and he was forced to defend his words a couple of days later. Despite the pressure on his shoulders, Hodgson insists he is still enjoying leading the national side.

“Am I seeing the nasty side of the job? No. There is no nasty side. I love this job,” he said.

“It’s a magnificent job. It’s the pinnacle of any coaching career.

“I need them to believe that we can move forward and achieve things. I get the good vibrations and feelings from (the players).”

Returning to the country where he enjoyed one of his most successful spells in coaching has brightened Hodgson’s mood.

Under Hodgson’s management, Switzerland ended a 28-year wait to qualify for a major tournament when they made it to USA ‘94.

“It’s a great feeling,” said Hodgson, who also managed Grasshoppers and Neuchatel Xamax. “Whenever I come back I feel as if it’s a return to another homeland.”