UEFA EURO reporter's view: England

Squad analysis
This is an England squad with a big emphasis on youth, as highlighted by the inclusion of Manchester United teenager Marcus Rashford. Judging by their display in March's friendly win in Germany, this young England  – spearheaded by Tottenham Hotspur duo Harry Kane and Dele Alli – should have pace and goals but there are question marks over the squad's defensive strength and Roy Hodgson has included only three centre-backs in Chris Smalling, Gary Cahill and John Stones. This last player has endured a difficult season at Everton but suggested a return to form in last week's friendly win against Australia.

• Rashford makes England squad

One to watch
Harry Kane should be brimming with confidence entering his first senior tournament with England. So much for so-called 'second-season syndrome' ... he has just finished as the Premier League's leading scorer with 25 goals, and netted 31 overall for club and country in 2015/16. The Cruyff turn he displayed before scoring against Germany in Berlin underlined the quality of the Spurs man, who has the ability to occupy two defenders.

How they'll play
England fans would love to see Roy Hodgson's side play like they did in the 3-2 friendly win against Germany – pressing high up the pitch and displaying energy, hunger and freedom. That was a friendly, of course, and the team's youthfulness could have a flipside against more experienced teams. Hodgson has used both a 4-3-3 and a midfield diamond formation in pre-tournament friendlies so far. The diamond would let him start with Kane and Jamie Vardy and the fact there's only one out-and-out winger in the squad might suggest this is the formation we will see.

What you won't know
England have reached the semi-final of a UEFA European Championship only once away from home – and that was back in 1968.

How they'll do
Semi-finals? In a tournament with no outstanding favourite, England have the potential to go far and they are certainly due a good run in an international tournament, 20 years after reaching the last four at EURO '96 on home soil. What England should have is goals; after all, Hodgson does not just have Kane but Vardy, who has showed the Midas touch all season long at Leicester City.

Your most memorable EURO moment
A real night to remember for me was the UEFA EURO 2004 quarter-final between Portugal and England in Lisbon – it had just about everything. Great goals, some controversy, and incredible colour and tension – oh, and after all the twists and turns, England going out on penalties once again, though if Wayne Rooney had not limped off injured it might have been a different story.

What you're most looking forward to this summer
Without a doubt, the England-Wales game in Lens on 16 June. It was a pleasure being in Cardiff for Wales's qualifying victory over Belgium and when the atmosphere for this British 'derby' should be quite special.

Follow Simon throughout the finals on @UEFAcomSimonH