Henrik Larsson, who has not started a competitive game since breaking a leg last October, still does not know whether he will be leading Sweden's attack in the Euro 2000 opener against Belgium in Brussels today.

The Celtic striker has not only proved his fitness but has impressed in training. Even so, Sweden's joint coach Lars Lagerback will not reveal his side until just before kick-off.

With regard to Larsson, who broke his leg in a UEFA Cup-tie in Lyon, Lagerback said: 'We know from the tests that he is very fit and seeing him in training he has shown no signs of getting tired. I'm really impressed with him.'

Larsson added: 'I feel good. I've been training a lot and I've felt no problems. I know I'm strong and I can handle it, and I won't go into a game scared of injury.'

Belgium are eager to prove that, after years in the doldrums, they are the real thing at last. Before the arrival of coach Robert Waseige last August, they had only won two games out of 11 and made an early exit from the 1998 World Cup in France without winning a game.

Since Waseige took over they have won 3-1 in Italy, 2-0 in Norway and drawn twice with co-hosts Holland. 'The results have been there, and no-one is afraid judging by the way everyone has worked,' said Aston Villa-bound striker Luc Nilis.

He starts on the bench as Belgium look to Derby's Branko Strupar to maintain his good striking partnership with Schalke's Emile Mpenza.

The Belgians broke off from their preparations yesterday to celebrate striker Gilles De Bilde's 29th birthday.

But the Sheffield Wednesday man will not be celebrating with a place in the starting line-up. He confirmed: 'I'm on the bench.'

Belgian Team: 1- Filip De Wilde; 2-Eric Deflandre, 4-Lorenzo Staelens, 3-Joos Valgaeren, 17-Philippe Leonard; 11-Gert Verheyen, 7-Marc Wilmots, 6-Yves Vanderhaeghe, 8-Bart Goor; 10-Branko Strupar, 9-Emile Mpenza.