England in Euro title race, says Walcott

Theo Walcott said England can beat any of the teams remaining in Euro 2012 and is convinced the Three Lions hold great title hopes.

The 23-year-old starred in England’s win over Sweden in their second group game, a result that helped them top Group D and avoid a quarter-final clash with defending champions, Spain, as they chase their first major trophy in 46 years.

But Walcott believes that Italy, who Roy Hodgson’s men face on Sunday, will be just as difficult although he revealed that there is an air of self-belief in the squad.

“It doesn’t matter who you play against in this competition, they will all be difficult,” Walcott said.

“Playing the world and European champions (Spain) would have been tough, but we will take anyone at this moment in time because we believe we can beat anyone.”

Having kept a clean sheet in their last game during a 1-0 win over Ukraine, Walcott suggested that a stable defence could be the difference for England.

“I’m not going to say we can win this tournament, but we’ve got a great chance, like other teams have,” he said.

“If we play to the best of our ability, who knows? We defend well, which is important, and know we can always score.”

Walcott’s international colleague, Scott Parker has echoed Walcott’s sentiments as he also believes England’s squad unity will serve them well.

“We’ve set ourselves up well to have a real go,” said Parker.

“We have a real togetherness in the camp and a real belief.

“In life it is crucial to have that belief and positivity, and I think we’ve shown that’s what we’ve got. Sometimes it can take you far and get you somewhere.

“There’s a confidence in the group, and I think there’s still hopefully a little bit more to come. We’ll go and prepare for the next game and we’ll see what happens.”