• Euro 2012

McManaman: England flying under the radar

ESPN staff
June 8, 2012

Steve McManaman feels the low expectations on England can aid their cause at Euro 2012.

McManaman, who went agonisingly close to European Championship glory with England at Euro 96, is covering the tournament for ESPN and he feels the key to the entire campaign is the opening game with France.

"If we go out and beat France expectation will change, but if we get beaten it will be the end of the world," McManaman told ESPN. "If we beat France everyone will think we can win the tournament

"The fact is that there is not a lot of pressure on the lads and they can go out and enjoy themselves. I hope they do that and beat France and roll on."

England manager Roy Hodgson has selected a number of players who did not feature regularly for their club sides last season, but McManaman feels of more importance is the form of the team heading into the tournament.

"I know six Liverpool players have been called up in arguably their worst league campaign in a long time, but there are question marks over another 10," he said. "There are a lot of players who have not been regulars for their squad. I don't mind that, England are playing well and are unbeaten going into the tournament.

"We are under the radar, people are not expecting a lot from England and it is a change and I hope we do well."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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