"I believe that we can win all five games, and the players believe that," says Platt.

"The message I will give to the players is that this is a game we should win, could win and, in inverted commas, must win."

Tonight's match, which kicks off at 20.15, and will be shown live on Channel 5, could give a kick start to the challenge of Platt's team, with arguably harder matches against Italy on Monday night and Portugal two days later to come.

The key man for England is likely to be captain David Dunn. The Blackburn midfielder has been an inspiration for club and country this season, a fact recognised by his coach.

"David looks a very good player in good company when he's on the training pitch, and that isn't easy to do every single day," said Platt. "He knows he's very, very good.

"In the second half of the season, his game has gone on to a different level. That's his ability and that's what he gives you whether he's playing well or not."

The coach is also more than confident in the rest of his squad. "I've got a squad that, no matter which XI I call upon, they're capable of going out and beating every team that's in the competition, as long as they perform to a level that they're capable of performing to."