No9: Adrian Mutu

The former Chelsea striker is the man Romania are pinning their hopes as they battle with Italy, France and Holland to escape the group of death. When he is off the boil, the Fiorentina forward is an unnecessary luxury. But if Mutu can hit his devastating top form, his side could surprise their superb Group C opponents.

No8: Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Sweden have barely merited a mention in the build-up to the finals but it would be wrong to dismiss them given Ibrahimovics partnership with veteran hitman Henrik Larsson. The powerful forward has proved himself as a world-class player during Inter Milans recent domination of Serie A and his ability to find the net will be crucial.

No7: Luka Modric

England witnessed the Croatian playmakers ability to pull the strings when he ripped apart Steve McClarens men in Novembers crunch qualifier at Wembley. Tottenham pipped their rivals by making an early £16million swoop for Modric and an impressive tournament will make that good value.

No6: Ruud van Nistelrooy

One of the most consistent European strikers in club football over the past decade still possesses the menace to scare opposition defences. The former Manchester United hitman has blown hot and cold for Holland but is unstoppable on his day. Van Nistelrooy will want to go out on a high in what is expected to be his final major international competition.

No5: Luca Toni

Andrea Pirlo may be the heartbeat of Italys team but it is Toni they turn to for glory. The Bayern Munich marksmen has emerged as one of Europes most deadly finishers in recent years and will be key if they want to follow-up up their triumph at the World Cup two years ago with their first Euro crown since 1968.

No4: Franck Ribery

How do you replace Zinedine Zidane? The simple answer is you cant but Ribery has admirably attempted to fill the great mans shoes. The Bayern Munich star plays under Zidanes shadow but now has the opportunity to carve out his own piece of history. And with Thierry Henry struggling to hit the heights right now, there is no better moment.

No3: Michael Ballack

The Germany skipper comes into the tournament on the back of his stunning form for Chelsea. Ballack has been a central figure in the national team for almost a decade and hopes are again pinned on his broad shoulders. The midfielder will also want to make up for his heartache in the Champions League and Premier League last month.

No2: Fernando Torres

The Spain star is firing on all cylinders after a sensational debut season with Liverpool. Torres country are renowned for their knack of bottling it on the big stage but his presence is crucial to their hopes of finally ending years of underachievement. If the pacy striker can continue his red-hot form in front of goal, the Spaniards will be a real threat.