Euro 2020: England success depends on mentality, says James

Former England goalkeeper David James has said that the mentality of the squad will be the key to success at Euro 2020.

The Three Lions kick off their Euros campaign against Croatia on Sunday, enjoying home advantage in this match and for the majority of the tournament if they were to reach the final.

Speaking to Standard Sport, James said that mentality and psychology will be crucial.

“Definitely, I took on sports psychology back in 2000 and it completely transformed the way that I played the game, prepared for games.

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“When I didn’t do what I was supposed to do then the performances weren’t at the level they should have been.

“I know Gareth [Southgate] is big into it. The backroom staff are well equipped to support players in that sense and it will, I think become the difference for England to be successful or not.”

Jordan Pickford recently revealed that he has been seeing a psychologist this season, which has resulted in ‘calmer’ performances from the Everton ‘keeper.