IF France 2016 is as thrilling as Euro 96 then football fan and former Chester boss Steve Burr will be a happy man.

Burr, who left the Blues last season, can’t wait for the tournament to kick off and said: “Remember Euro 96 and the affect that had on the game.

“It was a brilliant, exciting tournament and although England didn’t win it, it gave football and supporters a lift going into the new season.”

Burr is spending his first summer for 17 years not worrying about building a squad for the new campaign and admits it’s nice to be able to put his feet up and spend some relaxing time with his family.

Having spent 10 years working with England’s semi-professional international side, Burr could have been excused if he’d not asked the Football Association for complimentary tickets.

But Burr said: “These games are great to watch at home, with a beer, and I really think England can do well. They’ve got some really talented, young players.”

One of those is striker Jamie Vardy, who Burr knows all about having watched his progress from non-league football to the top of the Premier League.

“I don’t think Jamie ever played in the England C set-up but we had the likes of George Boyd and Andre Gray come through the ranks,” added Burr, who just has one regret about this year’s tournament in France.

“I’m Scottish, a Scotland fan and I’m getting plenty of stick about England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic being there.

“Everyone’s looking forward to the Euro’s and we’re trying to arrange friendlies with Bermuda!”

Burr, 56, was at Wembley 20 years ago, supporting Scotland as they lost out 2-0 to England in a tournament that saw Terry Venables’ side lose out in a semi-final shoot-out to Germany.

“It was a great tournament. I remember Gazza’s goal from that Wembley game and Gary McAllister’s penalty miss too,” recalled Burr.

“But that summer was all about football and I think everyone became a fan watching Euro 96. I just hope the next month in France is the same.”