DION Dublin is backing England to impress at the European Championships this summer.

The Three Lions begin their quest for glory against Croatia on Sunday.

And Dublin, who was speaking on a visit to the Basildon Sporting Village, feels England could go all the way with his former Aston Villa skipper Gareth Southgate in charge.

“I’m expecting us to do well and I don’t know why we wouldn’t because of the squad we’ve got, the quality we’ve got and the confidence we should have too with what some of the club teams have achieved this year,” said Dublin.

“A lot of those players will now take that into the Euros but we will have to overcome some very good sides to win it.

“I think we should be looking to top the group but that’s not a formality.

“But Gareth Southgate was my captain at Villa so I trust him and I know he’s a winner.

“I believe he will do something special as England manager.”

England, who will also face Scotland and the Czech Republic in the group stages, are among the favourites to lift the trophy.

But Dublin knows it will be far from straight forward with several other nations looking strong this summer.

“There are some very good sides,” said Dublin.

“France are excellent and Spain can be too but I think we have better players.

“We have so much quality and I think we can win it.

“I’m a massive advocate of Gareth Southgate and I get excited talking about it.”

Dublin is also a big fan of Speedflex which has now opened a new studio at the Basildon Sporting Village.

“I first came across the Speedflex concept about 10 years ago now,” said Dublin.

“They’ve been doing it a long time, they’ve been adjusting it and getting it right.

“While they were doing that I was testing machines and doing classes.

“Since retiring it’s the only thing that really works for me with regards to no aches or pains or muscle soreness.

“I had 14 operations when I played the game.

“All of them are fine although I’ve got scars everywhere but there’s no soreness and I’ve done this for a long time.

“You don’t need to be an ex pro footballer for this though. You can be any shape, any size or age and it will benefit you in time. That’s why I’m an ambassador because I love it.”