England boss in optimistic mood ahead of quarter-final clash
Last Updated: June 23, 2012 10:58am
Roy Hodgson: Looking to guide England into the semi-finals of Euro 2012
Sky Bet
Roy Hodgson believes the positivity sweeping through the England camp means they cannot be considered underdogs in their Euro 2012 quarter-final against Italy on Sunday.
The Azzurri are the ones with pedigree, boasting four World Cup
final wins in addition to a European Championship win and an additional seven last-four finishes.
final wins in addition to a European Championship win and an additional seven last-four finishes.
By contrast, England have only won a single major honour in their entire history and are bidding to reach a fourth semi-final.
Yet Hodgson feels there is no need for any inferiority complex inside the Three Lions camp.
camp.
"We're not underdogs in any way," he said.
"We have good-quality players who are recognised worldwide and, certainly, would get into a lot of the top European teams.
Smooth
"We're not underdogs in any way. We have good-quality players who are recognised worldwide and, certainly, would get into a lot of the top European teams."
Roy HodgsonQuotes of the week
Roy HodgsonQuotes of the week
"Spain have had a few scares along the way and Italy have been stable in their performances without actually tearing the tournament up.
"It's been a fairly smooth process for us.
"Things were up in the air because our preparation time was so short and we lost four senior players to injury in the build-up.
"But we've managed to put that to one side and now it's more a positive feeling."
England will head to Kiev knowing that they have never beaten a major nation in the knockout phase of either a World Cup or a European Championship away from Wembley.
Statistics
"All these negative statistics can only be put to bed when you get a positive one."
Roy HodgsonQuotes of the week
Roy HodgsonQuotes of the week
Hodgson has faced similar challenges during his club career, though, most notably with West Brom.
And during his time at The Hawthorns he presided over the Baggies' first win at Liverpool in 45 years, a victory at Stoke for the first time in three decades, and a league finish ahead of Aston Villa, ending a 33-year hoodoo.
in 45 years, a victory at Stoke for the first time in three decades, and a league finish ahead of Aston Villa, ending a 33-year hoodoo.
"All these negative statistics can only be put to bed when you get a positive one," he said.
"I came across it quite a lot at my time at West Bromwich. I got used to it.
"There's nothing anyone can say to make a difference.
"It's a minor form of history but it would be nice not to have that question coming up again next time."
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