England hopes

For the first time in my living memory, the England Football team is going to a major championship more in hope than expectation.

For years we seem to have built our team up to be something they are not, and perhaps the weight of expectation has been too much.

With the late appointment of Roy Hodgson and even later withdrawals no-one seems to give England much chance of even making the knockout stages.

But (and I know it's only been two games) I have been impressed with the work ethic that has already been instilled by the new manager.

I don't think England will be particularly pleasing on the eye at times but for far too long their failure to keep possession has been detrimental.

The lack of expectation may just be to the team's advantage.

The Cross of St George is up, the shirt is ready so let's get on with the job.