Alan Mullery wants Roy Hodgson to follow the example of Chris Hughton – and prove the value of experience.

Hodgson sends out his England side to open their Euro 2016 campaign against Russia in Marseille tonight.

And former England midfielder Mullery is quietly excited about how could they fare.

The Argus:

Alan Mullery is rooting for England

The Seagulls’ club ambassador has been thrilled by his club’s season under Hughton, who won over fans, and he believes Hodgson is not given enough credit by some.

Mullery, a European Championship semi-finalist in 1968, said: “Chris is very similar to Roy, very quiet.

“Roy gets awful press and it is very unfair when you think about.

“Before the last World Cup, I said we would be lucky if we qualified – and we didn’t. That wasn’t unpatriotic because there can’t be anyone more patriotic than me.

“England had some poor players and they weren’t playing as a side. They were struggling right the way through.

“Roy has now got a very good young side and, if it comes off, we should have a very good run. If it doesn’t, the press will have a pop at him. That’s the nature of the job.”

Mullery is upbeat about Albion’s first full season under Hughton and said: “Chris has done a fantastic job.”