Wayne Rooney tells his England team-mates: We must believe that we can win Euro 2016

WAYNE ROONEY has ordered his Three Lions to believe in themselves and become kings of Europe.

By Jeremy Cross, Chief Sports Writer, in Marseille

URGE: Rooney ordered his team-mates to turn up

The whole nation will get behind England tonight when Roy Hodgson’s men kick-off their Euro 2016 campaign against Russia in Marseille.

Hodgson will name an attacking young team that he believes has the potential to beat Europe’s finest and win the tournament.

And Rooney will lead his young lions into a major competition for the first time convinced the side are capable of producing a life-changing moment of success.

Hodgson’s squad have received good luck messages from FA President the Duke of Cambridge and Prime Minister David Cameron.

And Rooney said: “We have a really talented group of players and we need them to believe that themselves - that they’re good enough to go out there and do it.

“You can see the confidence and ambition and desire in the players and that’s great to see.

“We’ll give it our best. Whether that’s good enough remains to be seen, but we’ll be as ready as much as we can be.

“This tournament could be a big moment for England and for this group of players.”

Hodgson is set to name the likes of Harry Kane, Raheem Sterling, Dele Alli and Adam Lallana alongside Rooney in the hope of crushing the Russians to make a flying start to Group B.

Hodgson said: “There are a lot of people behind us and a lot of people watching us and wanting us to do well.

“We are aware of that. Those expectations will always be there and the weight of that expectation will be on our shoulders.

“But we’ve prepared well. The players have been excited by the tournament and now it’s finally here.

“We want to kickstart our tournament. Preparations have been perfect. We’re ready and excited for it all to start.”