Full marks to the class of 2015

Manchester City’s roving reporter writes every week for Chron Sport

FOR England to win all 10 of the European Championship qualifying games really was a top achievement.

Of course when the draw was initially made we would all have been chuffed to bits with the teams in the group with us. England was rightly installed as favourite, but to go and win all of the games was a good effort.

There are a lot more minor nations than in my playing days, and a lot of them are never going to reach a major final. But you still have to beat the players in front of you.

Some good teams will be missing out in France next summer. Holland have gone out, and look at Greece: they won it 12 years ago and have finished near the bottom of their group this time.

There will be massive expectation that England will do well again, but we’ll just have to wait and see how the players cope. Look at what has happened to the England rugby team this last couple of weeks.

I like how Roy Hodgson has given quite a few talented youngsters a chance, though. There are lots of high quality young players in the English game at the moment, so let’s hope they can grow into a top international squad and team.

It’s back to the bread and butter of the Premier League for Manchester City as they take on Bournemouth this weekend, and a rarity: a Saturday afternoon game with a 3pm kick-off!

I’ve been impressed with Bournemouth so far this season, and they’ve got a terrific young manager in Eddie Howe. Much in the same mould as Garry Monk at Swansea, Howe is very much a potential England manager of the future.

He’s a good character, he know the game, he’s enjoyed plenty of success a bit lower down the pyramid and he speaks and handles himself well. He’s got his team playing some great football.