England manager Roy Hodgson has said that he feels his side are not going into their Euro 2012 quarter-final with Italy as underdogs.
The Three Lions progressed to the last eight by topping group D, while the Azzurri came second to Spain in Group C.
The Italians have, however, looked dangerous in Poland and Ukraine and will be a tough test if England are to reach their first major semi-final since 1996.
Despite this, Hodgson thinks that his side is packed with talent and ready to take on anyone.
He said: "We're not underdogs in any way.
"We have good-quality players who are recognised worldwide and, certainly, would get into a lot of the top European teams."
Hodgson added that there is a more positive mentality in the England camp after a short preparation for the tournament.
Germany await the winners of tomorrow's quarter-final after they brushed aside unfancied Greece in Gdansk last night.
Pascal Lemesre
