Pierluigi Collina will blow the whistle to kick-off Euro 2004 on Saturday after UEFA chose him to take charge of the opening game between hosts Portugal and Greece in Porto.

The charismatic 44-year-old Italian, whose gleaming bald head will be seen for the last time at a major tournament, was given the nod as UEFA on Thursday named the referees for the first 12 group matches.

Germany's Markus Merk was chosen for France's opener against England in Lisbon while Anders Frisk of Sweden will be in the middle for the Netherlands against Germany.

As the countdown to kick-off continued France were made hot favourites to retain their title by the coaches of the 16 competing nations, with 14 tipping them as winners.

But England, who the French face in the Estadio da Luz on Sunday, were handed a boost with the news that key defender John Terry is winning his battle to recover from a hamstring injury.

The Chelsea player, expected to partner Sol Campbell at the heart of England's back four, joined in with training on Thursday and midfielder Steven Gerrard told reporters: "It's looking promising for him...fingers crossed, John will be fit."

GRONKJAER DOUBT

There was not such good news for Terry's Chelsea colleague Jesper Gronjkaer. The winger looks certain to miss Denmark's opening match against Italy because he is back home with his critically ill mother.

"I think it's better we let him be. He has his own problems at the moment... we are not expecting him straight away," said Denmark coach Morten Olsen at the team's base in the Algarve.

Dutch coach Dick Advocaat ended the debate about who will spearhead his side's attack in their opening Group D clash against Germany on Tuesday, saying Manchester United's Ruud van Nistelrooy would start instead of Patrick Kluivert.

Van Nistelrooy will play as the sole striker in Advocaat's 4-3-3 formation with two attacking wide players providing the ammunition.

"He has proved in the past that he can score at the top level. I believe he is the best choice for the team," said Advocaat, explaining his decision to end Kluivert's eight-year reign as first-choice striker.

Meanwhile, the Netherlands' opponents Germany are in need of some kind words, according to coach Rudi Voeller.

"Some of the players need to feel more secure and dialogue can help," said Voeller, whose men were jeered off the pitch after a 2-0 defeat by Hungary's second string in their final warm-up match on Sunday.

"They can knock on my door or call me any time, day and night, to talk about football or anything else," he added.