Spotlight falls on Finland

Litmanen and Hyypia are Finland's key men

Sven Goran Eriksson's new-look England must overcome Finland to rejuvenate their hopes of qualifying for the 2002 World Cup finals.

But the Scandinavians are able to call upon several top-class performers, namely Liverpool duo Jari Litmanen and Sami Hyypia.

They also boast a number of Finnish-based players who proved they can hold their own with their displays in the goalless draw in Helsinki last year.

Here, BBC Sport Online takes a look at Finland's 18-man squad ahead of the World Cup qualifier at Anfield.

Goalkeepers:

Teuvo Moilanen:

Moilanen has only enjoyed a handful of appearances for English Division One side Preston this season but holds the club record for consecutive clean sheets, remaining unbeaten for 28 games during the 1999/2000 season. Began his career at FF Jaro and completed a £120,000 move to Preston in December 1995. Apps: 3. Gls: 0.

Antti Niemi:

Niemi fell out of favour at Rangers

Niemi began his career at HJK Helsinki before joining Scottish giants Glasgow Rangers after a spell with Danish side FC Copenhagen. Fell out of favour at Ibrox following a change in management and went on loan to English side Charlton Athletic before a £450,000 move to Hearts in December 1999. Apps: 41. Gls: 0.

Defenders:

Toni Kuivasto:

Started his league career with Ilves Tampere before moving to MyPa Anjalankoski. Made his first full international appearance against Malaysia in February 1997 and now plays for Norway's Viking Stavanger. Apps: 20. Gls: 0.

Harri Ylonen:

One of Finland's most seasoned campaigners yet still a sprightly 29. Plays for Brann Bergen in Norway after starting his career with Finnish side Kuopio. Apps: 41. Gls: 1.

Sami Hyypia:

Hyypia is a certain starter along with Litmanen

A certain starter against England which indicates the high regard he is held in and his importance to the team. A commanding central defender, Hyypia played for Finnish side MyPa Anjalankoski before switching to Dutch club Willem II. He signed for Liverpool for £3m in May 1999. Apps: 37. Gls: 1.

Petri Pasenen:

One of the youngest and most inexperienced players in the squad. Lined up on the right flank in the recent international against Luxembourg. Started his career at FC Kuusysi before joining Dutch giants Ajax at the end of 2000. Apps: 2. Gls: 0.

Janne Saarinen:

Possesses a good left foot and can play in defence and midfield. Made his international debut in the autumn of 2000. Plays for Norway's top outfit, Rosenborg, after spells with IFK Göteborg and HJK Helsinki. Apps: 6. Gls: 0.

Hannu Tihinen:

Tihinen was voted the best defender in Norway last season before his move to English Premiership side West Ham from Viking Stavanger. Noted for his physical attributes but less for his ball skills and pace, he has impressed Hammers boss Harry Redknapp since arriving at Upton Park on loan. Apps: 16. Gls: 1.

Midfielders/Strikers:

Petri Helin:

Helin captained FC Jokerit to the runners-up spot in the Finnish Premier League prior to a move to Luton. Started out at PPT Pori before a move to fellow Finnish club HJK Helsinki. Spells at Ikast, Viborg FF and PK-35 and Jokerit followed before a free transfer move to Luton in November 2000. Apps: 19. Gls: 3.

Jarko Wiss:

Wiss is dangerous from midfield

Wiss was signed for £350,000 by English First Division side Stockport from Norwegian outfit Moss FK in August 2000. Shown he can be dangerous when coming forward to join the attack and has seven goals to his credit this season. Apps: 33. Gls: 2.

Joonas Kolkka:

Plays in the Dutch League for PSV. Started his league career with Reipas Lahti before moving to MyPa Anjalankoski in 1993, scoring 11 times in 21 matches during his first season. Apps: 25. Gls: 6.

Mika Nurmela:

The popular Heerenveen striker has just been voted the seventh best player in Holland. Still awaiting his first international goal. Apps: 21. Gls: 0.

Aki Riihilahti:

The newest addition to the English contingent of British-based players. Joined Crystal Palace from Norwegian club Valerenga FC for £200,000 earlier this month. Apps: 27. Gls: 4.

Jari Litmanen:

Finland's most famous footballer, Litmanen is a proven talent at the highest level. On the brink of becoming Finnish football's most successful goalscorer. Helped Ajax to the 1995 Champions League crown and the final the following season. Arrived at Liverpool on a free transfer from Barcelona during January 2001. Apps: 68. Gls: 7.

Mikael Forssell:

Forssell played well the last time the teams met

Signed on a free transfer from HJK Helsinki by English Premiership side Chelsea during July 1998. Has spent this season on loan at First Division outfit Crystal Palace to gain valuable first team experience and has scored 14 goals in the process. Apps: 9. Gls: 1.

Jonatan Johansson:

Has helped Charlton comfortably maintain their status in the English top-flight with 14 goals. Began his career at TPS Turku and then moved to Flora Tallin before joining Glasgow Rangers. Signed for Charlton for £3.75m in July 2000. Apps: 31. Gls: 9.

Shefki Kuqi:

Kuqi is another Stockport player and is in good form after scoring twice against First Division promotion hopefuls Birmingham. Originally with HJK Helsinki, he moved to FC Jokerit before joining Stockport for £300,000 in January 2001. Apps: 15. Gls: 2.

Tommi Gronlund:

Plays his football in Sweden with part-timers Trelleborgs. Has plenty of experience but is generally viewed as cover for Wiss. Apps: 32. Gls: 2.