Roy backs cubs to star for Three Lions

Roy Hodgson has called on England’s young talents to prove their worth as the World Cup opener against Italy edges ever closer.

After weeks of build-up and preparation, the Three Lions are just days away from kicking off their campaign in Manaus, a thousand miles up the River Amazon.

Four-time world champions Italy are the opponents in the Group D opener at the Arena Amazonia, just as they were in England’s last match at a major international tournament two years ago.