England can be surprise package – Hart

Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart believes England can be the surprise package at Euro 2016 after Roy Hodgson confirmed his squad.

Hodgson has opted for a youthful-looking squad as he looks to try and enjoy a successful summer. Leicester midfielder Danny Drinkwater and Newcastle winger Andros Townsend have both been omitted and join Manchester City’s Fabian Delph in being cut.

Hodgson has experimented with his side during recent friendlies against Turkey and Australia as he looks to find the best fit ahead of the opening game against Russia.

The likes of Dele Alli, Marcus Rashford, Eric Dier, Ross Barkley and Harry Kane have all been given the nod to travel to France and Hart believes England have a chance of glory.

Kane is fully expected to start for the Three Lions after finishing 2015-16 as the top goalscorer in the Premier League, while Leicester’s Jamie Vardy is also likely to play some part after bagging 24 goals for his club. Hart, who is one of the more experienced members of the squad, feels the new-look side will make it difficult for opponents to know what to expect from them.

Hart said: “I wouldn’t say people would know too much about us in terms of us as a team. “They know individual players but the team that is potentially going to start against Russia might not have been seen before in England shirts.

“We have weeks to prepare 23 good players in good form and mould into a team that thinks and works together.” England can be backed at 1.91 to win their opening match at Euro 2016 when they face Russia, who are priced 4.20, while the draw is available at 3.30.