Keegan sure of starting line-up

England boss Keegan knows his 11 starters

Kevin Keegan knows his preferred line-up for England's Euro 2000 opener against Portugal - and has done for some time.

Shearer, Seaman, Adams, Beckham and Scholes are all virtually certain to start, but several of the other places were thought to be up for grabs.

The England boss continues to play his cards close to his chest, but with the game against Portugal fast approaching, he said: "I've had my ideal team in my head for a long time."

Keegan's preference for a 4-4-2 formation may well mean that Gary and Phil Neville claim the full-back roles, with Paul Ince in central midfield and Michael Owen partnering Alan Shearer up front.

Dilemmas

His two major selection dilemmas appear to be who partners Tony Adams in central defence - Sol Campbell or Martin Keown - and who is the solution to England's left-sided conundrum.

Everton midfielder Nick Barmby did much to impress with his displays against Ukraine and Malta on his return to the squad after a lengthy absence.

Left in or left out?: Steve McManaman

But Keegan's claim that he has known his intended team for some time may indicate that the battle to play on the left of midfield has been between Dennis Wise and Steve McManaman.

England's build-up has wavered between the highly-praised 2-0 win against the Ukraine, the mixed performance of the draw against Brazil, and the low of the flawed 2-1 victory in Malta.

However, Keegan insisted: "The build-up to the championships has been good and I wouldn't change a thing."

He added: "The players are ready, I'm ready, the country is ready and we're looking forward to it. Now we want to get going."