Sir Alex Ferguson feels Roy Hodgson would be an ideal candidate to replace Fabio Capello as England manager.

The Manchester United boss has seen Hodgson turn Premier League rivals Fulham from relegation-fodder to European challengers.

Ferguson feels that success, coupled with an enviable CV, marks him out as an obvious choice should the Three Lions post become available.

The Red Devils boss admits that may not be any time soon, but feels former Switzerland coach Hodgson would excel back in the international arena.

"Roy Hodgson has great experience, the kind of experience you need in international management. He would be ideal for that type of thing," said Ferguson, who is set to go head-to-head with the Cottagers at Old Trafford on Sunday.

"But I don't think you can pre-empt that.

"I am sure if Fabio does well at the World Cup, he will want to stay on as England manager.

"Why would he not want to? It is the hardest challenge for him because the expectation is high and he looks to me to be the type that relishes that."
Remarkable

Ferguson has hailed the job undertaken by Hodgson at Craven Cottage, revealing his admiration at the speed in which he has been able to bring about such a marked reversal in fortune.

"Fulham has been a remarkable story," said Ferguson.

"Roy has brought his experience and authority to the club.

"He has formed a team that no-one likes to play against. They are very well organised and they play with great discipline. That is down to the manager.

"Two years ago when Roy went there, they were third bottom of the league. Now they are playing European football. He has turned the whole club round. It is a remarkable story."