Roy Hodgson watches England prepare for final Ashes Test

England manager Roy Hodgson and his assistant Ray Lewington enjoyed a change of scenery at the Oval on Tuesday as they watched the England cricket team prepare for the final Investec Ashes Test against Australia.

Hodgson saw the England squad put through their paces and gave a team talk ahead of their bid to secure a 4-1 victory in the series.

"I just wanted to congratulate them really. I've watched the cricket with great interest and great pride," he said.

Hodgson also stayed on as the England players took part in their traditional football kick-about.

There were some good skills on show, but not from everybody with fast bowler Mark Wood taking a bit of a dive, which you can see by clicking the video at the top of the page.

"They were good.It comes as no surprise that people who are good at one sport are good at another," Hodgson added. "A couple of them could probably have had a career in professional football -- but thankfully for us, they chose cricket."

The Ashes - Live

Hodgson had been invited to the Oval by Australia doctor Peter Brukner, who worked with the England boss when they were both at Liverpool.

Australia's Chris Rogers, who will retire after the fifth Test, spoke to Hodgson and afterwards the opening batsman said: "I've been over here a long time and I like watching the football, particularly how England go out in the big tournaments.

"I got a chance to have a good chat with him and he was a lovely guy. 

"He talked about watching county cricket in the 1950s, so he's got a fair bit of history there."

Watch the fifth Ashes Test from 10am, Thursday, Sky Sports Ashes. You can watch without a contract on NOW TV, while our Ashes Events Centre - the best of Sky Cricket's analysis at your fingertips - is available on our iPad app.