After the debacle of the last World Cup in South Africa, the chaotic departure of Fabio Capello and the somewhat underwhelming appointment of Roy Hodgson, the prevailing mood ahead of this summer's European Championships is one of uncharacteristic realism.

If England get out of the group stage, they will have done well. If they were to make the semi-finals, it would be a cause for national celebration. And if they were to win it? Even the most ardent supporter is stopping short of thinking like that.

After a host of disappointments at major tournaments, the majority of fans have come to terms with England's position as a midranking European side.

Spain, Germany and Holland all find themselves in stronger positions ahead of their opening game, while the likes of Italy, France and Portugal are at least on a par with Hodgson's men.

But as Greece proved in 2004, you do not necessarily have to be the best side to win the European Championships.

England's task is difficult, but as Hodgson himself has proclaimed, at least they start with a better chance than they had in 2008, when Steve McClaren failed to even qualify.

In Joe Hart, England boast one of the best goalkeepers in European football, in the likes of John Terry and Steven Gerrard, they boast players who have lifted the Champions League, and in Wayne Rooney, they can call on a striker who is a match for any other goalscorer in the tournament.

The key problem, of course, is that Rooney is unavailable for the opening two games after his senseless sending off in England's final qualifying fixture in Montenegro.

Take Rooney out of the equation, and England's attack looks rather blunt. The talismanic striker will return for the final group game against Ukraine - the hope is that he still has something to play for when he is back in the side.

In his absence, Andy Carroll is set to lead the line.

The Liverpool striker has failed to sparkle since leaving Newcastle United, but he finished the season strongly and Hodgson clearly likes to have a physical attacking presence in his side.

Ashley Young is likely to play alongside him, and while he plays most of his domestic football as a winger, the Manchester United forward impressed in a central role in qualifying and confirmed his well-being with a goal in last month's warm-up game with Norway.

Will he see enough of the ball to be effective against France and Sweden? Much will depend on the performance of the England midfield, a unit that will feature Gerrard and Scott Parker, with a wide player on either side.

If Hodgson is feeling bold, one of those wide players could be Alex OxladeChamberlain, the only wildcard in the pack. If he isn't, expect former Middlesbrough winger Stewart Downing to be involved.

At the back, Hodgson will call on the core of the back four that helped Chelsea win the Champions League this season.

John Terry's lack of pace was brutally exposed in the last World Cup, but Joleon Lescott has proved his value at centrehalf and Ashley Cole remains a formidable force at left-back.

Will all of that be enough to get England out of the group?

Well the draw has been reasonably kind, but the nation's record at the European Championships is poor and memories of 2010's no-show in South Africa remain stark.

Hopefully, Hodgson will address some of the off-field issues that plagued his predecessor, Fabio Capello, and oversee a much happier camp.

It is on the pitch, though, where things really have to change.

With no unrealistic expectations to weigh them down, might this be the moment when England's players finally make their mark?