Wayne Rooney has backed England’s young lions to take the Euros by storm.
Rooney gave a rousing message to England’s young squad ahead of the opening game with Russia and described the team in three words: “Disciplined, focused and exciting.”
The squad has an average age of 26 and Rooney said: “The young players can obviously play without fear. Naturally, younger lads do that.
“I did it when I broke into the team in 2003. It’s more of a case of the manager, coaching staff and myself telling the players how good they are.
“We have a really talented group of players, and we need them to believe that themselves, that they’re good enough to go out there and do it.
“You can see the confidence and ambition and desire in the players, and that’s great to see. We’ll give our best.
“Whether that’s good enough remains to be seen. But we’ll be as ready as much as we can be.
“The players have been excited by the tournament, and now it’s finally here. We want to kickstart our tournament.
Preparations have been perfect. No injuries, which is important. We’re ready and excited.”
At 30 Rooney is the oldest member of the squad, and said: “This tournament could be a big moment for England and for this group of players.
“I have said it quite a lot that this team is exciting and we are ready for the tournament. I can’t wait, it is my sixth tournament and I can’t wait. I am genuinely excited.”
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