Roy Hodgson should not be sacked - ex-FA chairman Bernstein

England manager Roy Hodgson should not be sacked if his team fail to make the 2014 World Cup finals, says ex-Football Association chairman David Bernstein.

After March's 1-1 draw in Montenegro, England are second in qualifying group H, two points behind the Montenegrins.

England play Moldova at Wembley on 6 September, followed by a tough trip to Ukraine four days later.

"I want Roy to develop players and get continuity over at least a four-year period," Bernstein said.

Bernstein, who was replaced as FA chairman by Greg Dyke in July, says Hodgson's position is part of a long-term project, reaching beyond the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, through to the 2016 European Championship in France.

He added: "Not making Brazil would be a grave disappointment but I really hope Roy is able to see things through at least until the European Championship.

"It's really important that we have continuity and stability with the manager's position."

Hodgson took over as England manager in May 2012, following Fabio Capello's departure.

In 10 competitive matches, Hodgson's England are unbeaten, with five wins and five draws - although they were defeated in a penalty shoot-out by Italy at Euro 2012. His team's only loss was 4-2 to Sweden in a friendly in November 2012.

After the Ukraine trip, England play Montenegro on 11 October, then Poland four days later, with both games at Wembley.