Owen wants fearless England

Michael Owen has urged the England squad to learn from the mistakes of the past and play without fear at Euro 2016.

The Three Lions, who are 9.50 to win outright, head to France with the youngest crop of players in the tournament and their youthfulness has prompted optimism around the country.

However, Roy Hodgson’s decision to favour youth for the Euros has also prompted questions as to whether a lack of experience could cost his side when put under pressure, leading to someone inevitably being made a scapegoat by the press.

Over the years the media have made a habit of pinpointing an individual for blame whenever England are eliminated, something Owen admits hindered the squads he played in.

The former Liverpool and Real Madrid striker featured at five major tournaments for his country and says the mood was often affected by the anxiety of what could happen in the aftermath of the competition.

The 36-year-old has now urged the current squad to break the mould by ignoring the fear factor and instead embrace their chance to play with freedom. “Forget who’s going to cost us,” Owen told BBC Sport.

“There’s almost a fear of being ‘the one’ – and that then turns into a selfish attitude. You can’t be expressive, you can’t be creative. “There will be one person that everyone’s going to gang up on – the press, the media, whatever – but you’ve got to be bigger than that, not bothered about that, and actually just do what’s best for the team.”

England have are currently the 1.73 favourites to top Group B ahead of Russia at 4.00, Wales at 5.50 and underdogs Slovakia, who can be backed at 10.00.