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Sir Bobby Charlton thinks beating Italy could pave the way to England winning Euro 2012
Euro 2012: Sir Bobby Charlton backs England to win tournament
England and Manchester United legend Sir Bobby Charlton is confident England will win Euro 2012 if they can overcome Italy in Sunday's quarter-final.
Charlton, who played in the 1966 World Cup-winning team, said: "If England beat Italy then England will win it.
What does fate hold for England?
"This is the big game. I think we can win it. Why not? We have good players."
Charlton was speaking after carrying the Olympic flame past Manchester United's Old Trafford stadium on the latest leg of the torch relay.
The 74-year-old added: "If they beat Italy then we will start getting excited. I get a little feeling that if we can get past Italy, who are the toughest and the most physical then I think we have an opportunity."
Charlton, England's record scorer with 49 goals in 106 appearances, was one of 151 torchbearers on Sunday's relay from Salford to Leeds.
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Comment number 82.
MuchPreferWinter24th June 2012 - 15:03
What possible reason is there to believe England will win this? There isn't a hope they will beat Italy, Germany then Spain three matches on the trot. Once again the distance between hype and reality is a couple of planets. Have a look at the highlights of the first three England matches as a neutral. They were somewhere between average and downright awful for all three. Not a hope.
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Comment number 56.
Mikey24th June 2012 - 13:50
Scotsman wishing England good luck tonight. Think it'll be a really tight game and with Hart between the sticks I can see England edging it on penalties. You should be proud of semis what with all the indecision and injuries before the tournament started.
As for the negative comments about taking on the might of Germany - yes, they're a stronger side than england but it would be a cracking semi...
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Comment number 49.
Bookface24th June 2012 - 13:34
If England reach the semis that will be an fantastic achievement for both Hodgson and the team, something the whole country can and should be very proud of. Simply reaching the quarters and topping the group has exceeded the expectations of many.
I think we can count this tournament as a success in providing a boost for the youngsters and restoring a sense of honour to the England shirt.
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Comment number 47.
dom24th June 2012 - 13:30
the performance tonight is almost as important than the result. I do think that if we beat Italy tonight, we will give Germany a really tough game. Remember, the German defence is vulnerable, and England's is tough. However, pressure will have an effect, no doubt. Anyone else expecting 0-0 and penalties tonight?
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Comment number 25.
AndrewO24th June 2012 - 12:38
I seriously doubt that England would reach the final. I've got no problems with them beating Italy tonight - they are more than capable of that. But Germany look a little too strong.
Semi-Final would still be a great acheivement though.
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