Ryan Bertrand 'hoping' England fulfil expectations

Ryan Bertrand in action for Southampton on November 8, 2014
© Getty Images
Southampton left-back Ryan Bertrand is 'hopeful' that England can 'fulfil expectations' in the European Championships this summer.

Southampton defender Ryan Bertrand is 'hopeful' that England will be able to live up to expectations at Euro 2016.

A perfect qualification record and recent friendly victories over France and Germany have increased the pressure on England entering this summer's European Championships in France.

Bertrand, who has been included in Roy Hodgson's provisional squad, is aware of the demands placed on his country and 'hopes' that the team can "live up to that expectation".

"I think we know what's expected of us and we hope we can live up to that expectation, but we've all been that fan once upon a time, applying that pressure to the team," Bertrand told reporters. "We know we've always got that expectation from our fans but that comes from having a proud country and we just hope we can justify that.

"The dream of everyone is to win it. Within the camp we haven't really sat down and thought about that, we're just taking it game by game and making sure we put in good performances. We'll definitely be one they have an eye on and rightfully so."

England will take on Turkey in a friendly on May 22 and will also face Australia and Portugal before opening their tournament against Russia on June 11.

Wayne Rooney of England celebrates as he scores their first and equalising goal from a penalty during the EURO 2016 Qualifier Group E match between England and Slovenia on November 15, 2014
Read Next:
Rooney: 'I can play as striker at Euro 2016'
>
Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
CLeicester CityLeicester382312368363281
2Arsenal382011765362971
3Tottenham HotspurSpurs381913669353470
4Manchester CityMan City381991071413066
5Manchester UnitedMan Utd381991049351466
6Southampton381891159411863
7West Ham UnitedWest Ham381614865511462
8Liverpool3816121063501360
9Stoke CityStoke38149154155-1451
10Chelsea381214125953650
11Everton381114135955447
12Swansea CitySwansea381211154252-1047
13Watford38129174050-1045
14West Bromwich AlbionWest Brom381013153448-1443
15Crystal Palace38119183951-1242
16Bournemouth38119184567-2242
17Sunderland38912174862-1439
RNewcastle UnitedNewcastle38910194465-2137
RNorwich CityNorwich3897223967-2834
RAston Villa3838272776-4917