How they got here: Came through a group that included World Cup semi-finalists Turkey without losing a game. Had to avoid defeat away to the Turks to be sure of top spot but did so comfortably.

Manager: Sven-Goran Eriksson

Star turn: At just short of 30, Sol Campbell is pretty much at his peak and a lot will be required of the Arsenal central defender if Eriksson's men are to finally to live up to the expectations of their supporters. Big, strong and clever, Campbell is capable of smothering many good strikers but his French flyer of a clubmate? That may be another matter.

Prospects: The 6-1 defeat of Iceland last weekend has certainly boosted confidence. It was, however, England's first win of any description in nine months. If they to do better than scrape into the second round they need to close down opponents just in front of their defence and somebody, other than Michael Owen, to chip in with some goals.