FOR England, it offers the chance of a new beginning.

For Spain, it provides an opportunity to cement a growing status as one of the greatest international teams of all time. For co-hosts Poland and Ukraine, it is a showcase that should confound stereotypes and portray a vibrant new image.

For the rest of us, this month's European Championships should simply be a feast of football.

The continent's 16 best teams locking horns over three weeks of ferocious competition. Simply sit back, and enjoy the ride.

Not that there's usually much enjoyment where England are involved though. The Three Lions came within a penalty kick of the final under Terry Venables in 1996, but without the advantage of home soil, their record in European Championships is wretched.

They didn't even qualify in 2008 - a failing that cost Steve McClaren his job - and while Fabio Capello negotiated the latest round of qualifiers with ease, he will not be in a position to see the job through.

Roy Hodgson has replaced him, and having been appointed ahead of the populist choice, Harry Redknapp, he needs a successful tournament to win round his doubters.

He will have to manage without star striker Wayne Rooney for England's opening two group games - the Manchester United man is suspended after being sent off in the final qualifier - and his 23-man squad contains many of the same faces that have failed at previous World Cups.

However, the likes of John Terry, Steven Gerrard and Scott Parker will be determined to have one last hurrah, and the presence of youngsters such as Danny Welbeck, Alex OxladeChamberlain and Phil Jones lends the squad a more exciting air.

The draw has been reasonably kind with France, Sweden and Ukraine lying in wait at the group stage, and England could yet confound the rather gloomy predictions that have dominated the warm up.

Spain start the tournament as favourites, and having won both Euro 2008 and the 2010 World Cup, the reigning champions can once again call on the core of the Barcelona squad that have dominated European club competitions in recent seasons.

Germany impressed in South Africa and will be strong once again, while Holland look capable of going one better after losing to Spain in the most recent World Cup final.

Wildcards? Well France will surely be more stable than they were in South Africa, while Portugal boast an interesting blend of young and old, but are in a tough group.

Throw in the presence of the Republic of Ireland, who are playing in their first major tournament since 2002, and you have all the ingredients for a memorable competition.