Collina has taken charge of many high-profile games, including England's 0-0 draw with Turkey in Istanbul that secured qualification for Euro 2004 and the 2002 World Cup Final.

He also officiated England's match away to Germany in September 2001 and the game between Argentina and England in the Sapporo Dome in the 2002 World Cup.

England Head Coach Sven-Goran Eriksson has previously said of the referee:

"Collina is a guarantee. He is one of the best in the world."