Next Up: Euro 2008

So, England might have failed miserably to qualify for this summer’s European Championships under the ‘leadership’ of Steve McClaren but in all honesty most Liverpool fans couldn’t care less about England so their absence from Switzerland and Austria will hardly be missed.

The inclusion of four Liverpool players in the Spain squad means most Reds will be focussing their attention and support with Luis Aragones’ men. Fernando Torres will of course lead their attack, Xabi Alonso will anchor the midfield while Pepe Reina and Alvaro Arbeloa will provide cover in goal and defence respectively.

Spain enter the competition as second favourites behind Germany and ahead of Italy, Portugal, France, Croatia and Holland.

Holland will have Liverpool forwards Ryan Babel and Dirk Kuyt in their squad – both scored in a warm-up friendly against Ukraine. Coach Marco Van Basten makes the announcement of his final 23 man squad on Wednesday and Kuyt will be hoping to make the cut after improving his form towards the end of the season. Update: Kuyt and Babel both named in final squad.

Elsewhere, the joint host nation Switzerland will feature new free signing Phillip Degen. The attacking right back will join Liverpool officially after the competition from Borrusia Dortmund.

The tournament kicks off on Saturday June 7th and finishes on Sunday June 31st.

Group A
Czech Republic
Portugal
Switzerland
Turkey

Group B
Austria
Croatia
Germany
Poland

Group C
France
Italy
Holland
Romania

Group D
Greece
Russia
Spain
Sweden

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