We're a fearless bunch, says England defender Smalling

Chris Smalling says there’s a sense of fearlessness about the England squad as their approach their Euro 2016 opener against Russia.

The defender was in a relaxed mood as he spoke to the media at the Three Lions’ tournament base in Chantilly on Wednesday afternoon.

“I think we’re a confident bunch, and obviously we’re a very young squad,” said Smalling.

“I think it’s a case where we don’t necessarily set targets. Let’s go out there and take on the games as they are.

“There’s a lot of a ‘fearless factor’, so who knows where we can go?”

Smalling, who scored the winning goal in last Thursday's victory over Portugal, said the squad's confidence stems from the fact that many of its players enjoyed positive seasons with their respective clubs.

“We’ve all individually come off [the back] of a very successful playing time and having a lot of games," explained the Manchester United man.

“On the whole we’re all feeling pretty fresh, and just excited to be part of such a big occasion.

“I think we’re all of that mindset of ‘this is our chance’ and it’s time to go seize it.

“We have many young players who are coming into a lot of form throughout this season and hopefully it ends in a very spectacular way.

“We’re all looking forward to it. I know I am.”