Euro 2016: Red hot clash

England players warm up at a training session in Chantilly, France, on Friday, the eve of their Group B match against Russia in Marseille. (Photo: AP)

Anything less than a win over Russia on Saturday could scupper England’s Euro 2016 hopes, goalkeeper Joe Hart has warned as Roy Hodgson’s new-look Three Lions bid to end 50 years of heartache.

England take on an injury-depleted Russia at Marseille’s Stade Velodrome desperate to avoid a repeat of the 2014 World Cup when an opening defeat to Italy was followed by another, 2-1 reverse to Uruguay.

Russia are also anxious to put a miserable World Cup behind them.

In the year of the 50th anniversary of England’s 1966 World Cup triumph, their sole victory at a major finals, belief is growing that Hodgson’s young side can shock bigger favourites like Germany and Spain.

But Hart, one of the England campaigners stunned by the early return from Brazil, said winning their “most important game” will be key if they are to face Group B rivals Slovakia and Wales with confidence.

“Saturday is our most important game and then we’re going to look to set the group up,” Hart said at England’s base in Chantilly near Paris.

On paper, England start as favourites to make a winning start to the campaign.

Hodgson has assembled the youngest England squad at a major tournament since the 1958 World Cup, putting faith in youngsters such as striker Marcus Rashford, 18, centre-back Chris Smalling, 25, and 26-year-old right-back Kyle Walker.

Rashford, still stunned at his recent call-up, scored only three minutes into his England debut in a 2-1 win over Australia, while Smalling has been a rock at the back for Manchester United.

After a Premier League season dominated by champions Leicester City and title rivals Tottenham, Jamie Vardy and Harry Kane are set to shoulder England’s goals quest in a likely three-man attack alongside veteran Wayne Rooney.