Let’s roar on Lions

THE time has finally arrived.

For the next couple of weeks – at least – the hopes of our nation will rest on the shoulders of a 23-man squad in England shirts.

And despite critics not giving us much chance, it’s time to back our boys.

The supposed lack of hope for this team’s chances may be exactly what they need to succeed.

In the past our so-called “golden generation” struggled badly with the huge expectation heaped on it.

This young team can play with a sense of freedom that may allow it to fulfill its potential.

Sides with nothing to lose always do well.

Look at Cameroon in 1990, Bulgaria in 1994, Croatia in 1998 and Costa Rica in 2014.

Gareth Southgate’s men have licence to go out there and express themselves. We know our players have got the skills.

Now is the time to show the rest of the world what they are capable of.