Skip to content

Ryan Bertrand says England are one of a number of possible Euro 2016 winners this summer

Ryan Bertrand takes part in an England training session on Wednesday
Image: Ryan Bertrand takes part in an England training session on Wednesday

Defender Ryan Betrand thinks England are definitely capable of claiming Euro 2016 glory in France this summer.

But the Southampton left-back agrees that plenty of other teams can say the same thing, ahead of what looks like being a wide-open tournament.

There is a youthful, dynamic look to Roy Hodgson's squad and Bertrand thinks they are not a side who other countries will be keen to face.

"We'll definitely be one they have an eye on and rightfully so," he said after the team's first official pre-tournament training session at St George's Park on Wednesday evening.

"We've had some fantastic performers in the league all year round and hopefully we can continue that and things will look up for us.

"We've got players who've been right at the top this year and been there consistently, so we're blessed in that sense. Hopefully we can cause some trouble.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Chelsea defender Gary Cahill is absent with a minor knock as England's Euro 2016 squad train on Wednesday

"We've got a good atmosphere in the camp and we play for each other.

Also See:

"We are capable of winning it, but that goes for a lot of other teams in the competition. It all comes down to who wants it more."

England's impressive displays in qualifying and the exciting attacking talent in the squad have raised expectations among fans once again but Bertrand says the team do not see that as a burden.

Danny Drinkwater (centre) was among the England players to train on Wednesday evening
Image: Preparations for Euro 2016 are starting to be stepped up at St George's Park

"I think we know what's expected of us and we hope we can live up to that expectation," said the 26-year-old, who appears poised to battle with Danny Rose of Tottenham for a place in the starting XI.

"We've all been that fan once upon a time, applying that pressure to the team.

"I remember way back to Euro 96, just running after any clip or highlight from my house to my friend's house saying 'did you see that?', then running back again. There were some fond memories.

"We know we've always got that expectation from our fans but that comes from having a proud country and we just hope we can justify that.

"The dream of everyone is to win it. Within the camp we haven't really sat down and thought about that, we're just taking it game by game, and making sure we put in good performances."

Around Sky