A recent radio debate asked the English footballing public "Now England aren't going to appear, what will you be doing during the summer?"
My answer is quite simple. I'll be watching Euro 2008 and watch the cream of the Premiership strut their stuff in Austria and Switzerland.
That got me wondering how many players are likely to play in the tournament that ply their trade over here. The answer, 52, and here is a round up of all the qualifiers and their English based contingent including the one to watch.
Out of the 16 qualifiers 3 don't have any players that play in England, they are Romania, Russia and Italy. Numbers in brackets are the latest odds.
Czech Republic (16/1) - Petr Cech (Chelsea) 56 apps
Cech has had another outstanding season for Chelsea this year pulling off numerous world class saves to not only keep the blues in the Champions League but also the Premier League title race. A facial injury in April kept him out for a while and Chelsea's title bids faltered but on his return the clean sheets returned. The Czech Republic are in a difficult group with Portugal, Switzerland and Turkey but with Cech between the sticks they should have enough to qualify past the group stages.
Other Premier League players: Marek Matejovsky (Reading), Milan Baros (Portsmouth), Tomas Rosicky (Arsenal) although injury may keep him out.
Portugal (8/1) - Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United) 54 apps 20 goals
Who else could I pick. The boy from Madeira seems to be having his cake and eating it this season. Goals and assists galore and undoubtedly the best player on the planet. Like Cruyff in 74 and Maradona in 86 could Euro 2008 be the tournament where one player can single handedly guide his side to glory. Portugal's best chance surely. Group favourites, Portugal could well be peoples tip for the crown and cap of a season to remember for young Cristiano
Other Premier League players: Paulo Ferreira (Chelsea), Ricardo Carvalho (Chelsea), Nani (Manchester United)
Switzerland (25/1) - Philippe Senderos (Arsenal) 26 apps 3 goals
One of the outsiders for the tournament there isn't much quality in their squad and out of the 4 players based in England Philippe would be the only choice as their one to watch. Senderos has had an indifferent season at the Emirates this season and if rumours are true he could well be heading for the exit. A can be a solid defender but has struggled to nail down a place at Arsenal and a few high profile gaffs has affected his confidence and the Swiss will be hoping he leaves his Arsenal form in England if they are to stand any chance of qualifying out of their group.
Other Premier League players: Gelson Fernandes (Manchester City), Johan Djourou (Arsenal), Blerim Dzemaili (Bolton Wanderers)
Turkey (50/1) - Tuncay Sanli (Middlesbrough) 51 apps 14 goals
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