FA chairman David Bernstein has insisted that he has no problem with England manager Roy Hodgson talking with the nation's fans.

It was revealed last week that Hodgson had mistakenly told an England fan on the London Underground that Rio Ferdinand would not be in his latest England squad, but Bernstein has insisted that we should be "proud" of Hodgson for taking the time to talk with the public.

Bernstein told Sky Sports News: "He spoke to fans and he got caught out with a particular word. I think it's very sad that someone should phone the newspapers and actually, in many ways, he acted in an exemplary sort of a way.

"I think we should be very proud of someone who is prepared to speak to fans like that and I have no problem with him.

"He was sorry that he said that particular thing and he has said so and apologised to Rio. I actually I think he comes out of it extremely well."

England host San Marino on Friday before they play Poland on Tuesday evening.