England lower sights as Hodgson era kicks off

For the first time in more than two decades, England will enter a major tournament unencumbered by the weight of expectation when they kick off their European Championship.

A shambolic build-up which has seen them sack their captain and part company with the manager who guided them to the finals means England are not looking much further than qualification from Group D.

The success or failure of England’s campaign under new manager Roy Hodgson could well hinge on how they fare in their opening game against France in the Ukrainian city of Donetsk on June 11. 

If England fail to take something from that demanding opener against Laurent Blanc’s rapidly improving side, they will be left with little margin for error against Sweden before a daunting final test against hosts Ukraine.

Hodgson, the Football Association’s surprise choice to succeed Fabio Capello following widespread calls for Harry Redknapp to be given the job, is also grappling with the fact that his best player Wayne Rooney will be unavailable for the opening two games of the tournament due to suspension.

Rooney, foolishly sent off for kicking an opponent during England’s final qualifier against Montenegro last year, will only be available for the Ukraine game in Donetsk on June 19.

Hodgson’s problems have been further compounded by the withdrawal of experienced midfielders Frank Lampard and Gareth Barry who picked up injuries in the final week of England’s build-up for the Euros. Yet despite the mood of pessimism about England’s chances, former manager Graham Taylor believes reduced expectations may work in the country’s favour, with Hodgson given a ready-made excuse for failure if the campaign unravels.

“The players and, to a degree, Roy as well, already have a reason if things don’t go well,” he said. “When you have that, it is surprising how well you do.

“There is very little time for the new manager and players to gel and know how each other work. We all know that.

“But if they don’t do very well it won’t be their fault. It will be the FA’s fault, because the FA get blamed for almost everything.

“How can we expect anything? Look at the group we are in. France in the first game, then Sweden, then one of the co-hosts, Ukraine. That is not an easy group.”

Despite all the difficulties, England did gain a confidence-booster in the shape of 1-0 wins over Norway and Belgium in their final warm-up games before the Euros.