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Manchester United star Ashley Young is delighted with his goal-scoring form for England.
Young is set to start Monday's Group D opener against France in Wayne Rooney's usual position just off the central striker, with his Manchester United team-mate serving a two-match ban.
Rooney has long been regarded as England's talisman but Young is fast assuming a similar mantle having scored five goals in his last seven internationals and having a hand in more than half of England's last 20 goals.
"I am feeling confident on the back of a few goals and assists," Young said.
"There has been a lot talked about what I have to do in that role just off the striker.
"A lot of emphasis has been put on me. I thrive on the pressure. I enjoy it.
"It is an opportunity to run at defenders. That is what I am there to do. There is no better feeling when I do that."
Young is also hoping he can make the same impact as Paul Gascoigne did in Euro 96 goal when he scored a wonder goal against Scotland.
"For me to be able to talk about it non-stop is fantastic," he said.
"Hopefully, in years to come, somebody will be saying that about me."
Young has also been speaking about the issue of racist abuse at this year’s tournament.
UEFA have vowed to adopt a "zero-tolerance" approach to racism at this summer's finals, with referees having the power to abandon games if necessary.
But UEFA president Michel Platini also warned on Wednesday that any player who walked off the pitch in protest at racist abuse would be yellow-carded.
Asked if England might walk off, Young said: "Who knows? Hopefully, it doesn't happen and UEFA deal with it before a decision has to be made.
"You don't want to put up with things like that but it is for UEFA to deal with.
"I am sure they would do in the right way. We will see what happens.
"If it happens, I am not too sure what we would do."
