Why Roy Hodgson thinks Sunderland visit will help England's Euro 2016 campaign

England boss Roy Hodgson hopes his squad's trip the the Stadium of Light will prove a boost to the team's hopes for Euro 2016.
Roy Hodgson. Picture by PA.Roy Hodgson. Picture by PA.
Roy Hodgson. Picture by PA.

The Three Lions are taking on Australia at the home of the Black Cats next Friday as part of preparations for July's European Championships in France.

It will follow on from England's game against Turkey at Manchester City's Etihad Stadium on Sunday, which will be the first time the national team has played outside Wembley since 2007.

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Hodgson said the games in Sunderland and Manchester would be important outings for the side.

"We feel we have got good support in the country. We feel that the people are behind us and wishing us well," he said.

"(The idea was:) wouldn't it be nice if we could play some of the preparation games, if we are playing three, to take them maybe around the country and show off our football?

"Maybe some really big England fans don't always get the chance to see the game at Wembley and I'm very grateful that the FA accepted that idea and promoted it.

"I think it's going to be a really interesting occasion playing in Manchester and Sunderland, before the final game at Wembley."