Little faith in Roy's boys' glory bid

An online poll by the Wigan Evening Post saw 76 per cent of readers claim that Roy Hodgson’s squad will be unable to secure that elusive piece of silverware once again.

Some expect faulty tactics or suspect team selection to be the team’s undoing in France while there was more than one prediction that England would once again bow out on a penalty shoot-out.

Others have more faith, one reader reminding everyone that no-one predicted that Wigan Athletic would win the 2013 FA Cup.

The survey run by our website wigantoday.net was held as the England team began to settle into their training camp ahead of Saturday’s opener against Russia.

The Three Lions became the first side to qualify for the tournament back in September, sealing their place with three matches to spare.

Hodgson’s men ended qualification with a 100 per cent record and crossed the Channel on Monday in good spirits, having won hard-fought preparation matches against Turkey, Australia and Portugal.

But despite this, there is not too much faith that England can go all the way and claim a first major trophy since the 1966 World Cup, open as the field may be.

Here is a sample of some of the online comments and conversations:

Skander Singh: “It’s anyone’s tournament. Not one team really stands out. England can win it but I just don’t think they will with Roy Hodgson. He’s won nothing as a manager and is hardly a tactical mastermind.

Rob Kithcen: “Roy will always play a terrible Rooney in or out of position, at the expense of someone who plays better there week in and week out. Watch this space, win nothing, Rooney will have a terrible Euros, but he won’t be dropped.”

Huggy O’Neil said: “Yes they are capable of winning. The problem is the expectation and the inflated egos some of them have.

“It’s good that Roy is relying on youth as they are still unspoiled.”

Daz Rigby said: “We have this every two years and it’s always the same outcome. We’re not good enough when there are teams like Spain and Germany playing in the same tournaments. We may do better but we aren’t winning it.

Barbara Green said: “They said Wigan Athletic could not win the FA cup. Believe in your team!”

Mark Smith said: “We have the individual talent but they don’t seem to have had enough game time together.”

Jack Jolley said: “We’ll fail in style on penalties in the quarter-finals.”

Alan Stevens said: “Roy needs to convince his players all the games will be friendlies. Then bring the Cup home - simples!”

Paul Mason said: “They couldn’t win an egg cup.”