Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart has claimed that there is a feeling of togetherness and comfort in England's camp ahead of Euro2016.

The 29-year-old also defended manager Roy Hodgson's decision to take only three specialist centre-backs to the tournament in France, suggesting that the defensive players in the Three Lions squad are well up to the task.

"I feel it's very balanced and very comfortable," Hart said when asked about the balance of the squad.

"Maybe the numbers aren't there, but the seven potential defenders picked that are in the squad, and obviously with Eric as well able to slot in, are really high-level players.

"With England, you usually only get a couple of days together, but we are now here for a couple of weeks and we feel really together and comfortable with each other - we definitely do.

"There is a good link between the midfield and the defence and we feel strong.

"I don't really know what criticism you are referring to, but that's always going to happen. Someone's going to get scrutinised, something is going to be scrutinised.

"The important thing to me is that the coaching staff and players, we believe in the players that are here. We feel confident and comfortable as a unit and we are ready."

The Three Lions will begin their campaign the with their opening Group B fixture against Russia at Marseille on Saturday.