Michael Owen has called on the England players taking part at Euro 2016 to play without fear and not worry about making mistakes.

The former Three Lions striker claims that it is normal for the press to target and vilify individuals within the squad, and as a result, players may not perform to their full potential.

Owen, who represented England at five major tournaments, told BBC Sport: "There's almost a fear of being 'the one' - and that then turns into a selfish attitude. You can't be expressive, you can't be creative.

"There will be one person that everyone's going to gang up on - the press, the media, whatever - but you've got to be bigger than that, not bothered about that and actually just do what's best for the team.

"There's a fear amongst the squad - or there certainly was in my time - whereby you just didn't want to be that person everybody castigates, gets vilified, and you're the one that misses a penalty and they make a pizza advert about you."

Roy Hodgson's side begin their Euro 2016 campaign in France against Russia on June 11, before facing Wales and Slovakia.