WITH Euro 2016 just around the corner, football fans from around the country are once again waiting with great anticipation to see if England can fulfil expectations. JAMES MADDEN spoke to some local football pundits and asked for their predictions ahead of the tournament opener against Russia on Saturday

THERE is a feeling of optimism that England can progress to the latter stages of Euro 2016.

Former Morecambe and Barrow striker Wayne Curtis believes there is a greater sense of optimism than in recent years.

“The first thing we have to do is ensure we better what we did at the World Cup, which is get out the group stages,” Curtis said.

“Once we are into the knockout rounds, there is no reason why we can’t aim towards the final.”

Barrow Celtic joint-manager Dave Tomanski shares the optimism but believes “the balance” of the side is crucial.

“I think the quarter-finals is the minimum expectation, however the important thing is that Hodgson gets the balance right,” Tomanski said.

“If we can bed the young, inexperienced players in, and find the most effective formation, there is no reason why we can’t go further.”

Barrow AFC legend Neil Doherty agrees, saying: “I think we have a good chance of reaching the latter stages of the tournament.

“I’m not sure we have enough equality in all areas of the pitch to win it, but we will have to wait and see.”

However, former Furness Rovers manager Dave Staunton, believes England could go one step further, stating “that the semi-finals is a realistic expectation.”

With the quarter-finals seemingly the minimum expectation, fans are demanding, who do people think England’s main rivals are?

“You can’t look beyond France, Germany and Spain really,” says Doherty.

“Germany are world champions, France will be buoyant as they are the host nation and Spain, despite a poor World Cup, have an exceptional record in recent times.”

Staunton also throws Belgium into the mix.

“Obviously losing Vincent Kompany through injury is a blow, but they have some outstanding players. I would put Belgium as outsiders,” he said.

When it comes to the discussion on England’s weaknesses, there seems to be agreement on where the problems lie.

“I think everyone is in agreement that the two centre halves are a worry,” Doherty said.

Striker Curtis also admits that “the defence isn’t as good as it could be”, while Staunton, agrees but also points out that inexperience could be an issue.

“Hodgson has picked some players who are relatively unknown on the international stage,” he said.

“It’s good that they are getting the chance but whether they are ready to compete against some of the top nations remains to be seen.”

Tomanski also agrees that there is a danger of ‘expecting too much, too soon’.

“We could be in a situation where we are over-reliant on players such as Dele Alli and Eric Dier and we have to remember they have only just started their international careers.”

As well as the centre-halves receiving criticism, there has been constant speculation regarding captain Wayne Rooney’s role in France this summer.

Curtis, who has also played for Holker Old Boys, labelled the negative comments as “nonsense.”

“Wayne Rooney will thrive in this relatively young side”, Curtis argued.

“He might have had a quiet World Cup but the people calling for him to be dropped are talking nonsense.”

Although Tomanski agrees that Rooney should be part of the 23-man squad, he is less certain on whether the Manchester United striker has done enough to warrant a start.

“You have to take him because he is an asset to the younger players and has an invaluable knowledge of how to handle such a tournament,” said the Barrow Celtic man.

“However, should he start? That I’m not so sure. He is capable of anything on his day, but whether we see his best is a different matter.”

With the majority of people focusing on England’s progression, two other home nations, Wales and Northern Ireland, as well as the Republic of Ireland, have also qualified.

Although Staunton believes the three teams have “no chance of success,” former AFC winger Doherty is impressed with both Irish teams.

“I think the Republic of Ireland have the best chance of success out of the three,” Doherty said.

“They are built on team work and togetherness, whereas Wales are too dependent on two or three players.

“Northern Ireland are very similar, they might not have many star names but they fight for one another, and that is essential in a successful team.”

However, Curtis disagrees with Doherty and believes Gareth Bale could be the all important difference.

“You can’t ignore Wales simply because of Bale,” said the Holker Old Boys product.

“He has the ability to win matches on his own, something Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and even to an extent England, do not have.”