Lineker writes off England

BBC pundit Gary Lineker says he sees no reason to be optimistic about England's chances at Euro 2000.

Lineker said: "We struggled to qualify for the tournament and only made it through the back door after a poor performance against Scotland at Wembley.

"If we reproduce the form we showed against the Ukraine, we have an outside chance but no more.

I believe the quality of Patrick Kluivert for the Dutch and Henry for France will mean England cannot win this summer's tournament

Gary Lineker

"We are one of about 10 countries who could win it, but I think Holland and Belgium have a big home advantage."

Lineker believes that of the other sides, France will be the team to beat this summer.

"France have retained the squad which won the World Cup in 1998.

"They have now added to the team the one thing that they were missing at the last World Cup, a goalscorer," he added.

Lineker backs David Trezeguet to shine

"David Trezeguet and Thierry Henry can, I believe, score the goals which could help France lift the trophy."

Lineker, the second-highest goal scorer in England history, backed Michael Owen to cement his place in the side.

"Michael has pace which can trouble defenders, hopefully he will have a good tournament.

"England need David Beckham to fulfil his potential but I believe the quality of Patrick Kluivert for the Dutch and Henry for France will mean England cannot win this summer's tournament."

French star David Ginola backed up Lineker saying: "I believe France are the quality side in the competition.

David Ginola is tipping a win for France

"People may however, be surprised by the standard of lesser teams who could progress to the latter stages, such as Spain and Turkey," he said.

"I'm looking forward to watching my clubmate Sol Campbell, hopefully he can have a great tournament."