‘I was very impressed by England’

Arsene Wenger believes England are among the favourites to win Euro 2016 following their impressive victory in Germany.

Roy Hodgson’s side recovered from a 2-0 deficit to win 3-2 in Berlin with goals from Harry Kane, Jamie Vardy and Eric Dier.

England were beaten 2-1 by the Netherlands at Wembley four days later but Wenger thinks they will be competitive in France this summer.

“I was impressed and I made them [among the] favourites straight away,” said the Arsenal manager.

“I had been a bit cautious as I thought the super-favourites were Germany, France and Spain with England behind, but now they are up there on the list.

“I didn't see the second game against Holland, I saw the France game [against Russia]. They are [also among the] favourites because they have so many good players, but they have as well their internal debate about [whether to play] Benzema or not. They create their own problems.

“Germany will be there,” added Wenger. “Germany suffered a lot against England, and I must say I was impressed by England. They were 2-0 down and Germany scored a goal that was not offside so they had a chance of 3-0.

“I must tell you even at 2-0 down I was impressed by England, but if they had lost 3-0 what would the conclusion have been in the press?”