Roy Hodgson's England must make Euro semi-finals, says Neil Custis

Roy Hodgson will have failed as England manager unless he makes the semi-finals of the European championship this summer, according to the Sunday Supplement panel.

Hodgson steered England to the quarter-finals of Euro 2012 in his first tournament in charge, before a disappointing group-stage exit at the last World Cup in Brazil.

Despite his perfect record in qualifying for Euro 2016 in France, the Sun's Neil Custis believes that making it to at least the last four is a minimum requirement for the England boss' tenure not to be considered a failure.

"The expectation isn't even there anymore," Custis told Sunday Supplement. "We've become underwhelmed with England and it's the first time I remember that. It's not long since we went to tournaments thinking we could win it, thinking we had a team. 

"But now none of us think we can and talk about if we get to the semi-finals it could be quite good. I mean, how has it got to this point?

"If Hodgson doesn't get to the last four, I think it's been a waste of a tenure under him. How he got away with the last World Cup and kept his job was unbelievable, because that was pathetic - given the players he had, and the preparation and facilities he was given."

The Daily Mirror's Chief Football Writer John Cross, however, praised the job that Hodgson has done since the disappointment of the World Cup.

"England are making progress," he said. "I like the job Roy is doing, I think he's embracing young players and different players. He's clearly taken a look at Danny Drinkwater, who has succeeded in Leicester's push for the title. Finally he's picked Danny Rose, which is great because I think he's been the best left-back in the country this season."

However, Cross did express concerns over his belief that Hodgson would take Jack Wilshere, even if the Arsenal midfielder doesn't play much between now and the end of the season.

"I think he's waiting for too long for players coming back from fitness," added Cross. "I'm convinced he'll take Wilshere, even if he only plays one training session, because he values him that highly. Whether that's right or wrong is another question."

Once you pick Rooney for a squad he starts the game. He's captain, he's talisman. Even if Rooney barely plays between now and the end of the season, he starts the first game

Cross also believes that, despite his own fitness concerns, captain Wayne Rooney has to start if he is selected in the squad.

"Roy has spoken about it a couple of times and he gave a strong message saying Rooney will be in his plans," said Cross. "He did say he can't guarantee [he'll be in the] starting line-up anymore, but I don't see it like that.

"Once you pick Rooney for a squad he starts the game. He's captain, he's talisman. Even if Rooney barely plays between now and the end of the season, and I don't think he will, he starts the first game of the Euros."