Young England find plenty of reasons to be cheerful

Football - England v Lithuania - UEFA Euro 2016 Qualifying Group E - Wembley Stadium, London, England - 27/3/15 England's Raheem Sterling celebrates scoring their third goal with Wayne Rooney Action Images via Reuters / Carl Recine

LONDON (Reuters) - Seven victories in a row, new-found optimism and a young striker to get excited about, Roy Hodgson's England are showing bright shoots of recovery after last year's dismal World Cup campaign.

Having failed to win a game and been knocked out in the group stage in Brazil, England have won all seven matches since and have made a flying start to Euro 2016 qualification.