England midfielder Scott Parker says there’s a belief amongst the camp that they can 'do a Chelsea' and win Euro 2012.

After being written off before the tournament kicked off in Poland and Ukraine, Roy Hodgson has fostered a strong team spirit amongst the group.

Two wins and a draw saw the Three Lions top Group D and earn a quarter-final tie against Italy on Sunday.

And after watching Premier League side Chelsea claim an unlikely Champions League triumph last month, Parker says England could still go further.

He said: "I think we have a real togetherness and commitment in the squad and, ultimately, that can get you a long way.

"We've seen that last season with Chelsea and other teams.

"Fundamentally, they are the main key ingredients of why we can go and progress further.

"It's going to be a very tough game against an Italian side that are very well prepared and organised, with individual qualities.

"If we carry on doing what we are doing, we can maybe upset them."

Speaking about the mood in the camp, the 31-year-old added: "We want to go further than the quarter-finals.

"We have the belief in the squad to go and get a victory at the weekend and progress.

"We'd be really disappointed if we went out of the competition on Sunday."

And ahead of the meeting with Cesare Prandelli's side, he added: "I don't think I am being disrespectful by saying we'd rather play Italy than Spain," Parker said.

"Spain are the reigning world champions and European champions."

Related articles

• Roy Hodgson calmly leads the way as England prepare to face Italy
• David Preece discusses Roy Hodgson, Sweden and England's goalkeepers

People who read this story also read

• Roy Hodgson calmly leads the way as England prepare to face Italy