England boss Roy Hodgson told his players they can win Euro 2016 in an 'upbeat meeting'

England manager Roy Hodgson believes his side can win Euro 2016

ROY HODGSON summoned his players for a team meeting on Tuesday night and told them they can win Euro 2016.

 

The 68-year-old has always previously been cautious about discussing England's chances of winning their first major tournament since lifting the World Cup 49 years ago.

England are guaranteed to qualify for next summer's tournament if they beat minnows San Marino on Saturday after managing a 100 per cent qualification record so far.

But rather than take their foot off the pedal, Hodgson wants the squad to continue that momentum all the way through to the final in Paris next summer.

 

Swansea midfielder Jonjo Shelvey, back in the squad for the first time in three years, revealed: "It was quite an upbeat meeting.

"He talked about the previous games, which I've not been involved in. He just said, 'We can either go one way, keep winning and stay the way we are, or we can go up another level in our performances.

"Because there's no reason why the England team with the players we've got in this country can't go to the European Championships and win it'.

 

Jonjo Shelvey said it was an 'upbeat meeting' as he looks set to start against San Marino

"That's what Roy wants us to do and what we want to do. He wants us to win and I'm sure we can."

Injuries to key midfielders puts Shelvey in line for his first appearances since making a 22-minute cameo against San Marino in 2012, and Hodgson made a point of pulling him aside before training at St George's Park yesterday.

"He was just telling me what he wanted me do in terms of the session, to get on the ball and get us passing," Shelvey said.

"I'm not a backwards and sideways player. I always try to pass it forward when I get the chance. And I feel that England need someone to do that."