This year marks the 50th anniversary of England’s crowning achievement on the international stage, with the image of Bobby Moore holding the World Cup trophy aloft at Wembley following the memorable, yet controversial, final against West Germany likely to live long in the memory. It seemed inconceivable at a time of such euphoria and delight that the Three Lions would struggle to reach the same heights again, with semi-final appearances at the 1990 World Cup and Euro 1996 the best that England have managed.
An inability to hold our nerve in penalty shootouts has cost us dearly over the years, but the harsh reality is that England have fallen well short of expectations despite having more than enough quality amongst their ranks to achieve so much more than they did. The same shortcomings may come back to haunt England again this summer as they travel to France to compete at Euro 2016, but the big difference this year is that expectation levels are likely to be significantly lower than in previous campaigns. It may build up during the pre-tournament euphoria which usually greets England’s involvement in major international tournaments, but while some may have already written off Roy Hodgson and his team’s chances of success this summer, there is a reason why Coral and other bookmakers have installed the Three Lions amongst the serious contenders to go all the way.
Coasting through the qualifying campaign with a flawless 100% record would suggest that England should go into Euro 2016 full of confidence and amongst the teams to beat. However, it overlooks the fact that England were fortunate to be drawn into a relatively easy group, and although the old adage of “you can only beat what is in front of you” certainly applies, Hodgson’s side were never really challenged. Despite ending qualification with thirty-one goals and just three conceded from their ten fixtures, the subsequent friendlies were where England showed what they are truly capable of when they came up against much tougher opposition. Although England failed to impose themselves against Spain and the Netherlands, the 2-0 victory against France and come-from-behind triumph in Germany were not only displays which were infused with quality and flair, but also pointed towards the considerable talent that Hodgson has at his disposal. Dele Alli, Ross Barkely and Eric Dier were among those who stole the show and proved that the future is bright for England, while Jamie Vardy announced himself on the international scene to cap what has been a remarkable season for the Leicester striker.
Some would argue that international friendlies are hardly a barometer of where England stand ahead of Euro 2016, particularly as the pressure and expectation that comes with performing at a major tournament will require a completely different mindset. While this may be true, the standard of performances against two nations who are also ranked as serious contenders by Coral to triumph in Paris this summer cannot be ignored. The game against Germany, in particular, demonstrated what England are capable of when players who are in superb form at club level and full of confidence are allowed to express themselves without any pressure or shackles holding them down; going 2-0 down and conceding in three of the four international friendlies may suggest that Hodgson has to work on improving the defence before Euro 2016 begins, but the manner in which England bounced back to win in Berlin should provide the fans with a considerable uplift in confidence that fifty years of hurt could be about to end.
Hodgson will keep everything crossed that he does not lose any more players who potentially hold the key to England’s success after Jack Butland’s hopes of participating in France this summer were ended in such unfortunate circumstances in Germany, but if early rumours are anything to go by, then he may be unable to call upon Mark Noble who appears to have given up any hope of being selected. The West Ham midfielder has been in superb form this season, with many fans and pundits backing his case to be called up and given an opportunity to show what he can do in an England shirt. However, being overlooked once again during the recent friendlies against Germany and the Netherlands may prove to be the final straw, and although he joins the likes of Scott Dann, Aaron Cresswell and Michael Antonio in feeling unfortunate not to be selected based on their excellent club form, Hodgson has to pick a 23-man squad that he feels can not only fit into his system, but also provide England with the best chance of success this summer.
Being drawn in Group B alongside Russia, Wales and Slovakia certainly throws up potential banana skins, but by no means represents mission impossible for England. They have to approach the group games with the same positivity, imagination and attacking flair that made them so impressive to watch against France, Germany and even the Netherlands when Vardy finished off a wonderful free-flowing move in the only real bright moment that England enjoyed, otherwise they will hand the initiative over to three opponents who will fancy their chances of toppling one of the favourites in the Euro 2016 betting odds. There is no reason why England, with the number of players in form for both club and country at Hodgson’s disposal, cannot set their sights on reaching the latter stages, and while lowered expectations and hype from ardent supporters back home may lift some of the pressure to deliver off their shoulders, there is enough talent, ability and belief in the squad for England to return home victorious this summer.