• Euro 2012

England have fully fit squad to face France

ESPN staff
June 10, 2012
Roy Hodgson has no extra injury worries © PA Photos
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England manager Roy Hodgson has confirmed he has a fully fit squad at his disposal for his side's opening Euro 2012 game against France.

England kick off their European Championship campaign at Donbass Arena seeking a positive result ahead of their other Group D matches against Sweden and Ukraine.

There had been fitness doubts over James Milner [blisters] and John Terry [hamstring], but Hodgson has been boosted by a clean bill of health.

He said at a press conference on Sunday: "Everyone is fit. I will be selecting from a fully fit squad."

When asked about the challenge ahead against France, who are unbeaten in 21 matches, he said of his own players: "I just hope we are capable of playing the way we can do.

"We see them week in and week out in the Premier League playing to the best of their ability. My hope is they show that form individually and as a team tomorrow and in the couple of matches after that.

"We know it is a stern challenge. France are unbeaten in 21 games and that is some achievement. We have full respect for the French but our players also have confidence in their own ability.''

Hodgson succeeded Fabio Capello as Three Lions manager in May, leaving the former West Brom boss with little time to bed into the role. But the experienced coach has been encouraged by the players' response to his taking charge.

Hodgson said: "It has been an exciting month. But I have been quickly accepted by the group and feel comfortable in my position. Maybe that is a bit unusual because you normally need more time but the players have made it easy for me to get my feet under the table."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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