My game has changed for the better – Rooney

“The current England team are a slick outfit and if they start with that adventurous 4-3-3 formation, I believe they can beat not only Russian Federation, but any team on their day”, explained Wilkinson, who became a Singapore citizen in 2007 and went on to play 29 times for the Lions.

“We try to encourage them to believe in themselves, go out and play the football we’ve been trying to play, and we’ll see what it brings”.

Wayne Rooney is England’s talisman and record goalscorer but will not repeat the mistakes of the past by shouldering too much of the burden at Euro 2016.

“I have played this game for a lot of years and I am aware my game has changed over years, in my opinion for the better”.

“I don’t have to defend myself”, he said, clearly bristling at the suggestion.

Roy Hodgson, sat beside Rooney, nodded his approval at his captain’s response and is expected to play him in a deeper role in the centre of midfield, with Harry Kane spearheading a three-man attack.

“It is not something that has suddenly been sprung upon us over the last few days, it is something which has been emerging certainly over the last six months. I always feel with my football intelligence I can play there and further my career there as well”.

“Naturally, young lads play without fear”.

Sterling can operate at the tip of a diamond, wide in a front three or even in partnership with Kane, offering England flexibility to change formation while Lallana’s inclusion should help the team move the ball sharply through midfield to supply that frontline.

“I want him to be the captain of the team, I want him to bring his experience, of course”, he said, stood next to England’s on-field leader on the eve of the game.

England’s defense has been a cause of concern but center back Chris Smalling and left back Ryan Bertrand have overcome knocks, giving Hodgson the luxury of having a fully fit squad from which to pick.

Berezutski said: “We know the English team, but maybe they don’t know us”.

“You can’t wipe the slate clean”.

“We have a very talented squad that are capable of big things but tournament football is different so I think it’s a big challenge for us as a squad and we’re hoping and we believe we can do well”. The preparations have been ideal.

“You can feel the buzz around the place, everyone is excited for this game and it’s important we go in and take our performance levels into the game and get off to a good start”.

The 68-year-old was pictured holding up a small piece of paper for the assembled media, seemingly mocking assistant Ray Lewington, who was photographed on Tuesday carrying a clipboard with a number of player names written on headed Football Association notepaper.

Slutsky’s main concern is how to replace center midfielders Alan Dzagoev and Igor Denisov, who were ruled out in the lead-up to the tournament.