Tuesday 22 March 2016 16:35, UK
With Euro 2016 fast approaching, we look at the key dates coming up in England's diary ahead of the tournament...
Germany v England - Sat, March 26
Four months on from their 2-0 win over France, England's players will travel to Berlin for their next friendly fixture, a testing encounter against World Cup holders Germany. A positive result could inspire hope of a strong showing in France - a heavy defeat could provide a sharp reality check.
England v Netherlands - Tue, March 29
Another friendly follows three days later at Wembley, when the Netherlands - who remarkably failed to qualify for Euro 2016 - visit London. Despite their absence from this summer's showpiece, the Dutch should provide a good marker of England's form ahead of the tournament.
Final day of Premier League season - Sun, May 15
The majority of Hodgson's squad will play their final game of the 2015/16 season on Sunday, May 15 - 27 days before England face Russia in their opening match of the championships. The England boss will be keeping his fingers crossed for no final-day injuries to key men.
FA Cup final - Sat, May 21, followed by Champions League final - Sat, May 28
With Manchester City dreaming of Champions League glory and Everton and Manchester United still in the FA Cup, there's every likelihood that a number of Hodgson's squad won't be able to put their feet up after May 15. The England boss will be hoping any cup final joy/heartache won't negatively affect those players' focus on Euro 2016.
Final squad deadline - Tue, May 31
A crucial day in England's Euro 2016 campaign, Tuesday, May 31 is the day Hodgson must name his 23-man squad for the France finals. Only a serious injury or illness after this date will allow the England boss to make any changes.
England v Turkey - Sun, May 22
England head north for the first of three pre-Euro 2016 friendlies, the first of which sees Fatih Terim's Turkey travel to the Etihad Stadium. It's the first meeting between the two sides since 2003 and the Turks will be aiming to beat England for the first time as they get their preparations for this summer's tournament underway.
England v Australia - Fri, May 27
England's second friendly takes place at Sunderland's Stadium of Light against another side they last played in 2003 - Australia. That previous meeting saw the Socceroos cruise to a win 3-1 at Upton Park on a night where Wayne Rooney, Francis Jeffers and Jermaine Jenas make their debuts for the Three Lions.
England v Portugal - Thurs, June 2
Roy Hodgson's side return to the National Stadium for the final time before jetting off to France when they host Portugal. England have a chequered record against the Portuguese, winning just one of their 11 games over a 46-year period. Portugal have dumped England out at two of their previous five tournament meetings and, with Cristiano Ronaldo in their ranks, will provide the perfect acid test before France.
England v Russia - Sat, June 11
Just 24 hours after France kick off Euro 2016, England will face Russia in their first game of the tournament. After losing to Italy in Brazil two years ago and being held to a 1-1 draw by France at Euro 2012, Hodgson will be aiming to get his first opening-day fixture win at a major tournament with England, with Marseille's Stade Velodrome the venue.
England v Wales - Thurs, June 16
Lens will play host to a mouth-watering fixture between Home Nations rivals England and Wales in the second week of the tournament. Wales haven't beaten England since 1984 but, with star names Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey in their ranks, will be optimistic of an upset.
Slovakia v England - Mon, June 20
England may well have booked their place in the knockout phase by the time they face Slovakia. However, if England still need victory to progress, they will go into the Saint-Etienne showdown with a three-wins-from-three record against their opponents, having most recently beaten Slovakia 4-0 in a 2009 friendly at Wembley.
Round of 16 - June 25-27
England's first knockout fixture will be in Paris on June 25 if they win Group B, June 26 in Lille if they finish third and June 27 in Nice if they finish second.
Quarter-finals - June 30 - July 3
Should England win their group and then win their Round of 16 fixture, they'll be playing on July 1 at Lille, a second-placed group finish would lead to a quarter-final on July 3 at Saint-Denis, while progressing as one of the best third-placed sides would mean Hodgson's side would play a quarter-final in Bordeaux on July 2.
Semi-finals - July 6-7
England haven't made the semi-finals since Euro 1996, but, 20 years on, will face final-four tests in either Marseille or Lyon, should they make it that far.
Final - July 10
Hodgson will have had this date circled in his diary for some time. Could the Stade de France play host to England's first major-tournament triumph in 50 years?
