Roy Hodgson says this month’s friendlies against Germany and the Netherlands will be big tests of his players’ potential to do well at Euro 2016.
Earlier today, the England manager named a 24-man squad for the trip to Berlin and subsequent clash with the Oranje.
And, despite perhaps having a larger pool of players available to him than for his last few selections, Hodgson said the upcoming double-header will put those qualities to the test.
“It looks good,” he said, “but things looking good on paper and what happens on that patch of grass when you step over that white line to play a game are two very, very different things.
“It's always nice to be in a press conference, announcing a squad where you've got – as we think, at least – some riches in front of us and some quality players who could do very well for us and for the country.
“It'll be a chance for these players to show that they have the qualities and the potential that everybody out there seems to think they have”
Roy Hodgson England manager
“But, of course, all the talk in the world means nothing unless it can be produced on the field of play.
“The two games we're about to play now, against Germany – the world champions – and Holland, a team that didn't qualify but in most people's opinions is still one of the top ten European teams, are going to be an enormous test for us.
“It'll be a chance for these players to show that they have the qualities and the potential that everybody out there seems to think they have and we, of course, as a coaching staff believe they have.”
