LLOYD Kelly says England "relish the expectation" as he gears up for this summer's under-21 European Championship.

Defender Kelly, who signed for Cherries from Bristol City last month, is part of Aidy Boothroyd's 23-man squad for the tournament in Italy and San Marino, alongside new club-mate Dominic Solanke.

While England have not won the Euros at under-21 level since goals from Mark Hateley fired them to success in 1984, they do head into this summer in impressive form.

Before the 2-1 defeat to Germany at Vitality Stadium in March, England were unbeaten in 19 matches and had not lost a home game since 2011.

Add to that the fact that many of the travelling party were in the side which won the under-20 World Cup in 2017 while the under-17s also ruled the world in the same year, many are tipping Boothroyd's charges to do well this summer.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Kelly said: "We are a strong group.

"We've won many things and although I've only been in the England set-up for 12-15 months now I've adjusted to how they play.

"There's always expectation coming off the back of past tournaments coming away with many trophies.

"We just relish the expectation and go out there and do our best."

England get their campaign underway against France on June 18 before games against Romania and Croatia.