MICHAEL Appleton believes England have a real opportunity to end their 50-year wait for a major trophy over the next month.

Roy Hodgson’s side begin their Euro 2016 campaign against Russia at Marseille’s Stade Velodrome tonight.

They are fourth favourites behind the hosts, France, World Cup winners Germany and defending champions Spain.

While Appleton is known for his calm demeanour on the touchline, the Oxford United head coach will switch to the role of supporter during the tournament.

And the former Manchester United apprentice sees an opportunity for the national side to add to their solitary title –the 1966 World Cup.

“There are some really good teams in the tournament – France and Germany are obviously very strong – but I don’t think there’s a great team,” he said.

“We have some fantastic players with great pace.

“If we get a bit of momentum going I really do think we have a great chance.”

He added: “I won’t go crazy and watch every game, but I’ll watch the home nations and there will be certain other games which I’ll want to see.

“I’ll be an interested spectator.”

Appleton has known Hodgson for several years, working alongside him in the coaching set-up at West Bromwich Albion.

The England manager called Appleton last month to congratulate him after United won promotion.

And the U’s boss has his fingers crossed he can return the compliment next month.

He said: “I spoke to Roy about three weeks ago, he rang after our promotion.

“I wished him all the best before the first game.

“I’m sure he will go away after the tournament and we’ll catch up later in the summer.”

Meanwhile, Martin Keown believes England could benefit from being one of the first games at Euro 2016, according to Martin Keown.

The Oxford-born defender, who won 43 international caps, said: “You want to get that first game played early, there’s nothing worse than being sat in the hotel watching everyone else play.

“On the first day out there you might come back from training and watch a match but by the fourth or fifth day you become fed up of watching other teams.”

The former Arsenal man was in England’s squad for the European Championships in 1992 and 2000, but at both those tournaments there was more certainty over the first XI than this year.

Keown said: “In the run up to the first game the starting line-up was usually pretty clear but because of the unconvincing performance against Portugal (in a pre-tournament friendly) a few places in the team would’ve been up for grabs in training.”

He added: “They will be fully prepared now for that first whistle tonight.”