FORMER Blackburn Rovers legend Derek Fazackerley believes England are equipped to win Euro 2000 as they prepare for tonight's opening group A clash against Portugal in Eindhoven.

Rovers record appearance holder was today helping Kevin Keegan put the finishing touches to England's battle-plan ahead of tonight's eagerly-awaited clash.

And, after all the hype surrounding the build-up to England's biggest game since their epic 1998 World Cup clash against Argentina in France, Keegan's right-hand man believes the troops are ready for battle. "It's been a long time coming and the nearer we get the anticipation grows greater and greater," said Fazackerley, speaking to the Lancashire Evening Telegraph from England's base camp in Spa.

"But I know we are ready for battle and I think we have a great chance of doing well.

"We've had two decent performances and results against Brazil and the Ukraine.

"I know it was a different game out in Malta but, to be fair to the lads, they had built themselves up for the two big games as it were.

"But, generally, I think we got what we wanted out of them which was good results and decent performances and we are looking to build on that in this tournament.

"The lads are really looking forward to the real thing and now they cannot wait for it to start."

England (probable line-up): Seaman; G Neville, Adams, Campbell, P Neville; Beckham, Scholes, Ince, McManaman; Shearer, Owen.

Manager Kevin Keegan has come in for some fierce criticism off some sections of the Press in the build up to the tournament.

But Fazackerley insists the former Liverpool legend DOES know what his best team is and how he wants them to play.

And he is urging the squad to block the negative criticism out of their minds and focus their energies on the job in hand.

"I'm quite certain Kevin knows in his own mind what the team is going to be and if everyone is fit then he will select that team," said Fazackerley.

"Everybody is entitled to their opinions -- nobody can criticise that -- but unfortunately they don't count because it's only Kevin who has the opportunity to select the side.

"And our performances and results will dictate just how successful we are in that."

As for Portugal, the former Rovers coach is expecting a stern examination.

"The Portuguese are a very, very skilful side and I think a lot of people would possibly see them as dark horses for the tournament," said Fazackerley.

"They have the likes of Figo and Rui Costa who we know are outstanding players in club football.

"And they've got other experienced players in key positions.

"So we know it's going to be tough.

"But it's a very, very strong group because all four teams appear in the top 15 of the world rankings.

"And that in itself is an indication of just how tough the group is."

England (probable line-up): Seaman; G Neville, Adams, Campbell, P Neville; Beckham, Scholes, Ince, McManaman; Shearer, Owen.

"But all the players and the staff know they are never going to get any respite from the press because they write what they want.

"However, if you let those things try and distract you from what you want to achieve then you won't last long in a profession like this."

Fazackerley is expecting a tough game from Portugal tonight before they face Germany on Saturday and Romania next week.

But once you get to this stage of a major competition there are no easy matches.

"If you look at our group then all four teams are ranked in the top 15 in the world," said Fazackerley.

"So that gives you an indication of the size of our task.

"And Portugal are obviously a good side with some great individuals in the likes of Figo, Rui Costa and the Pintos.

"They are a good footballing side and they have several players who can be match-winners on their day.

"So we are going to have our work cut out."

However, after watching the squad gell together over the last two weeks, Fazackerley believes England have the players to do the job.

"There's a great spirit amongst the lads and certainly over the last 10 days or so they have gelled into a very, very closely knit unit.

"But a lot depends on our key players and the key people are the experienced players amongst the squad who have been there before and done it.

"Your Tony Adams's, your Alan Shearer's and people like that.

"Then you've got your younger players who are experiencing it for the first time and they bring a youthful exuberance to it.

"Their enthusiasm and infectious love of the game rubs off on some of the senior players."

Whatever happens, though, the tournament will rate as one of the greatest experiences of Fazackerley's career.

And the former Rovers coach admits the whole build up to tonight has given him a tremendous buzz.

"It's the second largest football tournament in the world and to be involved in something like this is something you can only dream about," said Fazackerley.

"But, fortunately, I can live a bit of that dream so it's tremendously exciting and a tremendous thrill.

"There are times when I do have to pinch myself like 10 days ago when I was walking up the tunnel at Wembley behind the Brazilian and England teams to play a major international.

"That doesn't happen to everyone and I count myself very fortunate that it has happened to me."