England: Five reasons to share Hodgson's optimism

There is plenty for England to be upbeat about at present

England critics say "heaven help us", "another false dawn" and "come back Frank and Stevie G"; Michael Lintorn says it's not so bad...

Pick up a newspaper in the aftermath of England's first post-World Cup fixture against Norway and the first things you will read about are empty seats, 4-4-2 and disinterested players. Less discussed or helpful to the agenda de jour is the fact that the Three Lions actually won the game 1-0.

The national team obviously aren't in great shape right now following their worst ever performance at a World Cup, but there are at least five reasons to stay positive...

They will qualify for Euro 2016
England fans consider this a minimum requirement, yet it was only two editions back that the golden generation were left tracking Euro 2008 from the beach, while World Cup 2014's preliminary process proved problematic too. The expansion of this tournament from 16 sides to 24 and a draw alongside Switzerland, Slovenia, Estonia, Lithuania and San Marino from which the top two go through and the third contest a play-off makes it almost impossible to miss out. They are 1.674/6 to top the standings.

The wealth of attacking talent
After years in which England seemed to be blessed with an abundance of great centre backs - Rio Ferdinand, John Terry, Sol Campbell, Ledley King - but nowhere near as much quality up front, the reverse suddenly appears true. There are four strikers at top Premier League clubs - Wayne Rooney, Daniel Sturridge, Danny Welbeck and Rickie Lambert - with the former three likely to be first choice, while the support cast includes Raheem Sterling, Ross Barkley and Theo Walcott, who are all still to peak.

Youth is finally getting a chance
The media have criticised countless England managers for playing it safe selection-wise while others like world champions Germany revel in integrating their teen terrors, and Roy Hodgson has definitely sought to alter that. Critics will say that he has done so out of necessity due to a lack of alternatives, though he should be commended for decisions like starting Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain at Euro 2012 and Sterling at the World Cup given that several of his predecessors resisted making similar calls.

The golden generation hype is dead
The first two-and-a-bit years of Hodgson's reign were stymied by the awkward blending of golden generation hang-ons and new breed breakouts. However, the summer retirements of Ashley Cole (who doesn't deserve this underachiever listing having excelled for England), Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard create the opportunity for a legitimate fresh start. Phil Jagielka is the sole 30-something in the current squad, with Rooney and James Milner the only outfielders on 30-plus caps.

The new centre-back pairing
Jagielka looks to have paid for his below-par World Cup and early-season form by losing starter status. Gary Cahill and Phil Jones were both picked for England's last two games (Jones as right back in the first), which delivered two clean sheets, earning them a run as a centre-back partnership. If it works, they have the potential to mirror Ferdinand and Terry's longevity - hopefully without the off-field controversy - because Jones is a youthful 22 and, for all his experience, Cahill remains just 28.

Are you feeling that positivity? If so, you can back England to triumph in Switzerland at 2.962/1, or even to win Euro 2016 at 16.5n/a.