Roy Hodgson is delighted with the close atmosphere within his England squad ahead of their Euro 2012 quarter-final.

The 64-year-old has praised the efforts of his side so far in reaching the knockout stages of the tournament.

"I don't think there are any words necessarily that have any magic effect," Hodgson told reporters. "I think it's just making certain that everybody realises - as they do - that if you want to be successful as a team you have to perform to your ability and trust the people around you to perform to theirs."

Some of the players have commented that the atmosphere feels more like that of a club team than a national side, with everyone getting along.

The ex-West Brom coach also admitted that there will always be egos within a squad, but he has had no such problem with England.

"I think any national team is going to have players with egos - that's normal and I think you want that as well because it's the player with the ego who is often the good player, the player who makes the difference.

"I've been very happy with the way these players have really worked for each other and seeing the way they are after the games, and seeing the way they congratulate each other.

"That's something I've got to be pleased about and something to keep working on."