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Ronaldo: England should excel

2012-05-23 04:26:02

Portugal superstar Cristiano Ronaldo is expecting England to challenge for Euro 2012 honours with Roy Hodgson at the helm

Ronaldo: This could be England's year

The 27-year-old forward is all too familiar with the bulk of the Three Lions squad having spent six years at Manchester United before making his big-money move to Real Madrid in July 2009.

Ronaldo believes it is only a matter of time before England come good at a major tournament and says this could well be their year as Hodgson attempts to do what so many managers before him have failed to do.

“I always expect England to win a big tournament,” the Portuguese Footballer of the Year told The Sun.

“England have some of the best players in the world and are always tough opponents for any team.

“I hope England do well in the Euros because I have a lot of friends there. It is a country I like a lot. I expect big things for England, the new coach and the country.”

However, Ronaldo sees three teams as clear favourites to lift the Henri Delaunay Trophy on July 1 - defending champions Spain, 2010 World Cup finalists Holland and Germany.

“Italy have a good chance,” he added. “And Portugal, too. Why not? But the three teams with the biggest chances are Spain, Germany and Holland.”