England's Theo Walcott (right) reacts as he celebrates scoring their second goal of the game with team-mates. Picture: Anthony Devlin/PA Wire
Thursday, June 21, 2012
8:31 AM
Theo Walcott believes that England can beat Italy on Sunday and have the chance of going all the way to lift the European Championship trophy
Arsenal star Theo Walcott is confident going into England’s Euro 2012 quarter final against Italy believing that the Three Lions can beat anyone.
The belief is England did well to avoid Spain, who were beaten at Wembley in November, after topping Group D ahead of France but Roy Hodgson’s men still face a tough task against the Italians.
“Did we want to avoid Spain? I think it doesn’t matter,” Walcott said. “Every team you come against is going to be challenging. Playing the world champions, the European champions, is always going to be difficult but we will take anyone at this moment in time.
“The Italians will be tough but we’ve got some great players in that dressing room and I think we can go far. I feel we believe we could beat anyone the way we are playing as well.
“If we play to the best of our ability, who knows what can happen? Anything can happen. We defend well, we always know we can score goals so, if we keep clean sheets, we will definitely win.
“We haven’t seen too much of them [Italy] yet. They have world class players, also players who can come off the bench and make a difference as well. But I think it’s good for the lads not to worry about that now.
“I think we need to relax, mentally have a break, and the extra day by playing on Sunday is going to help everyone. Our target is to take it game by game and it’s working so far. Everyone is doing their jobs right and trust each other which is important.
“Can we win it? We are not going to think like that. We’ve got a great chance but seven other teams have as well.”
Hammers defenders Guy Demel and Joey O’Brien are celebrating another good campaign at Upton Park
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