TOM BLACKETT suggests there is reason for optimism as England prepare to head to France to take on the continent’s best

THE anticipation is starting to build, hopes are high – could this be the moment for England to end half a century of hurt? Well, if you go on the Three Lions’ record in the European Championships over the years, it doesn’t inspire much hope.

In 13 appearances in the Euros, England have never made it to the final and only twice reached the semis (1968, when they finished third, and 1996).
On the other side of the coin, however, you could say ...