Hodgson, not normally a man associated with bold statements, labelled their achievement as one of the finest moments of his career.

“I said to the players after the game that I’ve had a long career and I’ve been very lucky,” said Hodgson.

“Quite a few honours have come my way but as far as I’m concerned, the work these guys have done for me this year, not just the players, but all the staff around me, makes me really proud of it. I will remember it as one of my very best years.

“I don’t like ranking achievement but this one will always be one of the finest moments. When I came to Fulham we looked doomed and a year-and-a-half later we are in seventh place and in Europe – and I do think that is an achievement.

“I don’t want to take credit for that. I am a cog in the wheel. I am a person who prepares the players but they deserve the credit. The fans pay to see the players not me.

“I am really pleased with the players and the work they have put in. Fortunately the other results went pretty much as we thought. For Tottenham to beat Liverpool at Anfield was always going to be a tough ask. But I will take seventh spot and the European place.

“After a couple of days I shall look back on what has been a fantastic season for us.

“Now the hard work begins to make certain that we try and bolster our squad and start all over again on August 1.”