Roy Hodgson has warned England that an opening-game defeat in Euro 2016 next summer could set the tone for another disappointing showing on the big stage.
The Three Lions have not managed to win their first match in any of the last three major tournaments, with Hodgson's men losing to Italy in their World Cup curtain-raiser last summer before suffering a group-stage exit in Brazil.
As a result, the 68-year-old feels that a fast-and-furious start in France next summer is imperative to his side's hopes of returning home with the title.
"What would have given us a better chance in the tournament last time is winning the first game, or certainly not losing it," Hodgson is quoted as saying by Sky Sports News.
"Tournaments are three cup finals. It's not a league. The qualification period is a league, but when you get there you just need that little bit of luck."
England have won all nine of their Group E qualifiers so far and they will bring a 100% record into the finals if they beat Lithuania away on Monday.
Shane Callaghan
