ENGLAND EXPECTS

ROBERT J WILSON ON THE THREE LIONS' BID FOR GLORY AFTER PREVIOUS EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP DISAPPOINTMENTS

GARETH Southgate has to deliver in Germany. His tenure as England manager seemingly depends on it. With the array of talented players at his disposal, it is win or bust for him.

England are blessed. We have Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, Bukayo Saka, Harry Kane and if that fails, just send for Cole Palmer or Jack Grealish.

The Three Lions simply cannot fail this summer. We have never had a better opportunity. If only football was that straightforward.

Southgate will prepare for his fourth major tournament under pressure. Pundits, critics and supporters have been quick to voice their opinion this time around: England have to lift the trophy in Berlin on July 14 for it to have been a success. It appears Southgate's job depends on it.

But we do possess awfully short memories.

Obviously, England do possess talented players, especially in midfield and attacking positions, but we also have flaws, most notably in defence, including problems with injuries and form at left-back.

England stalwart defender Harry Maguire has also endured a difficult season at Manchester United and hasn't played as much as he would have expected. A muscle injury towards the end of the season is a concern heading into an intense month of football.

An injury here or there, especially to say a Bellingham or Kane, could quickly harm England's chances of glory. Kane's recent back problems at Bayern Munich have seen him miss games and will be a major concern because a back injury takes time to heal properly.

Basically, anything can occur in tournament football. We have been accustomed to it.

A harsh red card or the lottery of a penalty shootout has proved our undoing over many, many years. It's heart-breaking and you have to wait a long time for another attempt at a World Cup or European Championship.

Southgate, below, is probably the first England manager since Sir Alf Ramsey in 1966 expected to win a tournament.