Larsson set to start as substitute

Larsson is likely to start on the bench

Henrik Larsson looks set to be named as a substitute for Sweden's game with Belgium on Saturday.

The striker has made an incredible comeback from a broken leg to secure a place in the Swedish squad after missing most of the season for Celtic.

But he may have to be content with a place on the bench for the tournament's opening match.

Television station TV4 reported that Sweden intend to use Larsson at some point in the second half as he continues to build up his match fitness after his long absence.

Belgium v Sweden

12 previous meetings, both sides winning 5 apiece.

Sweden's biggest win, 8-1, came in the 1924 Olympics.

The two have never met in a European Championships.

With the royal families of Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg due to attend the opening ceremony, much pressure will be on co-hosts Belgium to put up a decent performance.

During Belgium's two year preparation for this competition, their form has fluctuated but they enter the tournament with renewed optimisim, not least because of the arrival of new coach Robert Waseige.

Prior to his introduction, the Belgians had won just two games out of 11 and made an embarrassingly early exit in the 1998 World Cup in France without winning a single game.

No one is afraid if you see how everyone has worked to get ready for Saturday

Luc Nilis

The change of coach sparked a renaissance, with a 3-1 win in Italy, a 2-0 victory in Norway and two draws with the Netherlands cementing the reputation of the new boss.

"The results have been there, no one is afraid if you see how everyone has worked to get ready for Saturday," said future Aston Villa player Luc Nilis, who looks likely to start the game sitting on the bench.

England fans are all too familiar with the stubborn Swedes, who prevented Kevin Keegan's men from automatic qualification for the tournament.

Kennet Andersson says his team has a solid spirit

The Swedes have unusually chosen two coaches, Tommy Soderberg and Lars Lagerback to lead them during this competition.

Their strength remains in defence, with Alan Shearer the only man to score against them during the qualifying campaign.

Experienced head

Despite Larsson's comeback, Sweden will be missing the experienced head of Stefan Schwarz who is out of the tournament with an Achilles injury.

Our team is a good group of friends. This is a serious strength and positive

Kennet Andersson

But the loss of such an important figure will not disrupt the harmony of the squad, according to another old head, Kennet Andersson.

"Our team is a good group of friends. This is a serious strength and positive," said the Bologna striker.

Emile Mpenza could be the tournament's surprise star

The game should provide an interesting contrast, with the Belgians having emerged as a free-scoring side under the reign of Waseige, while Sweden do not possess similar attacking flair.

And there is great anticipation about the impact of Belgium's 21-year-old Emile Mpenza, who has impressed many with his electric pace and close control.

"I don't even want to think that I have to start a sprint against him," said Swedish defender Patrik Andersson.

Meanwhile Gilles de Bilde says that he is unlikely to start the game up front: "I'm on the bench. I think Strupar and Mpenza will start up front," he said.