It seems a long, long time ago when Paul Goddard's goal earned England a share of the spoils in Reykyavik in June 1982.

But the Icelanders, who also play Japan in the Summer Tournament, should be even more of a test this time around with Chelsea's Eidur Gudjohnsen leading the attack.

Eidur, just like his dad, is a striker of real talent and has had an oustanding season at Stamford Bridge, scoring 14 goals as his side finished second in the Premiership and reached the semi-final of the Champions League.

So no wonder coach Sigorvinsson believes his side have a chance of glory in what will be England's last match before the Euro 2004 finals.

He said: "Iceland is growing as a football nation and getting better all the time. We have one great player in Eidur Gudjohnsen but a number of other good players who play in clubs across Europe.

"I am looking forward to the challenge of playing England. It's a very good opportunity to test ourselves against a big side who we haven't really played before.

"Our only game was in 1982, but I don't think it was England's strongest team that day.

"There is a great deal of interest in this game in Iceland. Many people watch the Premiership and love English football.

"We have a lot of players playing in England as well so there is a strong connection there.

"It is England's last game before they go to Portugal and we will give it our best shot and see what we can do."

Iceland were unfortunate not to be playing England in Portugal themselves having just missed out on a play-off spot.

Scotland pipped Sigorvinsson's side by just a point to second place behind Germany.

Sigorvinsson only took over three games into the qualifying stages after they had failed to register a single point, but has already turned them into a better team.

Led by Chelsea striker Gudjohnsen and helped at the back by Charlton defender Hermann Hreidarsson, Iceland have players with good knowledge of the English game.

But Sigorvinsson is hoping their games against Japan and England will help them in their bid to qualify for the World Cup in Germany in 2006.

"We came close to qualifying for Euro 2004 ourselves and that is encouraging," he said. "It was the first time we had the chance to qualify for a major tournament.

"But we had to win in Germany to do so and that is a very difficult task in front of 65,000 home fans.

"This will help us in our efforts and it is great just to have ten days together as a team for this tournament.

"It is really important to have time to work with the players and get an understanding. I am really looking forward to making the most of the opportunity.

"We have players in Belgium, Germany and across Europe and it is very hard for us all to get together."

Sigorvinsson is convinced Iceland are playing against one of the favorites to win the European Championships this summer.

But he believes England's progress depends on the form of Liverpool striker Michael Owen and not David Beckham in Portugal.

He said: "I think the English team is progressing well under Sven. England are one of the strongest teams in Europe and if everyone can stay fit they have a chance.

"Beckham is obviously a great player, but the strength of England's midfield is a danger.

"But then there is Michael Owen up front. If he can be on his best goalscoring form then the English team will be very strong.

"They may not be the best footballing side in Europe, but I think they can expect to get to the semi-finals at least.

"People in Iceland support England as well and they would be very happy to see them doing well in the tournament."