Hodgson shuns ’underdog’ tag

England boss Roy Hodgson insists his side have nothing to fear from Italy in their Euro 2012 quarter-final tomorrow.

The Azzurri are the ones with pedigree, boasting four World Cup final wins in addition to a European Championship win and an additional seven last-four finishes.

By contrast, England have only won a single major honour in their entire history and are bidding to reach a fourth semi-final.

Yet Hodgson feels there is no need for any inferiority complex inside the Three Lions camp.

“We’re not underdogs in any way,” he said.

“We have good-quality players who are recognised worldwide and, certainly, would get into a lot of the top European teams.”