Daniel Sturridge believes Euro 2016’s youngest squad have the potential to return from France as champions, especially if England can harness the “special” atmosphere unlike anything the striker has experienced.
Nine months after sealing qualification to the finals and three weeks since preparations got under way, Saturday’s Group B opener against Russia is now tantalisingly close for Roy Hodgson’s men.
Relaxed and excited were the buzzwords upon arriving at their Chantilly training base on Monday afternoon, with England’s light-hearted but competitive training session the following day highlighting that vibe.
Outfield players and goalkeepers trained together during an open session watched by hundreds of local children at the Stade des Bourgognes, after which Sturridge said the group atmosphere is not only better than the World Cup two years ago but any club he has played for.
“The feeling is great,” the Liverpool striker said pitchside at England’s training ground.
“It is probably a little bit more relaxed than before. The group’s younger and everyone is just ready to go. We’ve always had a good camaraderie but this time seems different to me.
“Coming in and seeing how everyone is and how things are day-to-day, just feels different to how it was before. It’s a strange feeling to be part of something so special so far.”
Fitness factor
The self-assured but oft-injured striker certainly emitted alacrity when it came to his fitness, focusing on the period of sustained fitness he enjoyed before a calf strain jeopardised his place in the 23.
Sturridge feels “very fit” now and is thriving off the competition England’s attack-heavy squad brings, giving Hodgson exciting options if not much experience in France.
The 26-year-old is unconcerned by that, though, and believes the youngest squad in France are capable of perhaps ending the country’s 50-year wait for glory.
“I don’t see why not,” Sturridge said, when asked if they could win the tournament.
“You go back years to Manchester United and the Liverpool sides and all these others clubs around the world who have had young squads and had young players who have had a gelling period and they’ve been successful.
“I believe that we can do that. I don’t see why not, why we won’t be successful in the competition because we’re young.
“I don’t think age has anything to do with it. I think it is more to how you play as a team.”
Sturridge is clearly excited by the future and preferred to focus on that rather than previous poor starts at major tournaments, with England having never won their opening European Championship match.
Ending that streak against Russia on Saturday would be a timely boost and the players head to Marseille in high spirits.
“I think you look at players’ mentalities and they bounce back,” Sturridge said when asked about whether the scars of Brazil could linger.
“They bounce back from situations, not just from national team but club level also.
“You bounce back and we know what we have to do. We know there’s going to be a lot of eyes on us because we’re England... we’re proud, we’re strong.”