Sven unveiled his squad at an expectant press conference in London, and after weeks of speculation the waiting is finally over.

With excitement building, England's bid to triumph in Portugal and win the European Championships starts right now.

So, the big question is, who has made the cut?

Well, it's fair to say there are no major surprises. The bulk of the squad that will travel to Lisbon also represented England at the World Cup in Japan, where the Three Lions reached the quarter-finals before losing to Brazil.

But there are one or two very important additions - not least Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard, who has been in the form of his life this season, and teenage striking sensation Wayne Rooney.

Gerrard missed the Japanese adventure, of course, because of injury, while Rooney only came into the squad after 2002.

Sven said: "It means a lot to have Gerrard this time, it means a lot to the team and the squad. He is one of the most important players we have, he is a world class player.

"He can play in several positions in midfield and we haven't lost many times when Steven Gerrard has been on the pitch.

"This is a strong squad and if they stay fit during the tournament we have a very good team.

"I hope the squad is better than in 2002. A lot of the players are the same but they have two more years experience. The squad is still young but I think the players who were in Japan are more experienced and should be better. If they are fit they are good enough to win it. Who knows, you need a bit of luck to win a big tournament and I hope we have that bit of luck as well."

Sven does not have to confirm his final 23 to UEFA until June 2, but he does not expect many changes between now and then.

Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe, however, has been named as 24th man and will travel with England to their training camp in Sardinia before the tournament starts.

Sven said: "Defoe was very close to making the squad and he will come with us. He' s not in the 23 but he is number 24. He will come to Sardinia and take part in the games in Manchester against Japan and Iceland."

The England Head Coach has also named five other players on a standby list in case of injuries.

They include experienced Middlesbrough defender Gareth Southgate, who is currently struggling with injury and battling to be fit in time.

Birmingham centre-back Matthew Upson, Chelsea midfielder Scott Parker, goalkeeper Richard Wright and Leeds striker Alan Smith have also been told to stay fit until the start of June just in case of injuries to other players.

"I had to make some difficult phone calls today, I don't like to make them but that's life," said Sven. "But I have told those players on the stand-by list to stay fit until June and we'll see what happens.

"With Gareth Southgate I spoke to him and he's going to try to be fit to see if he can be there or not. But it's doubtful."

Barring injuries, though, the England squad is now fixed in stone, and the players are gearing up for a real challenge in Portugal.

In goal, Sven as already made it clear that David James will be his number one. But he has also included Paul Robinson, who signed for Tottenham from Leeds this week, and Leicester City's Ian Walker.

In defence, there is no Rio Ferdinand because of suspension and no Southgate or Jonathan Woodgate because of injury.

But Sol Campbell leads the back line, with help from Wayne Bridge, Jamie Carragher, Ashley Cole, Ledley King, Gary and Phil Neville and John Terry.

Liverpool man Carragher is perhaps the most delighted, because his place was by no means certain. But Sven picked him out for praise.

He said: "Carragher can play anywhere in the back line and he is an honest player, you know what he can do. He will always fight you if you need him. I think he's a good one."

There is no room for Manchester United's Wes Brown, who is just coming back from two serious knee operations.

"He has had two bad injuries and I think he's not back to the level he was before, that's my opinion," said Sven.

In midfielder, England Captain David Beckham will be proud to have alongside him Nicky Butt, Joe Cole, Kieron Dyer, Steven Gerrard, Owen Hargreaves, Frank Lampard and Paul Scholes.

And Sven is adamant that Becks will be as strong as ever, despite a difficult season at Real Madrid dealing with off-the-field problems.

The England Head Coach said: "He' s had some difficult times, that's for sure. I saw the game on television yesterday and he was sent off, which is not good. But I always said I am sure that when he puts on an England shirt he will be OK. He is the captain and he will do an excellent job as he always does."

Up front Michael Owen, who has an astonishing 24 goals in 54 international games, has Emile Heskey, Darius Vassell and Wayne Rooney - at 18 the youngest player in the squad - alongside him.

"Rooney is an excellent footballer," said Sven. "Whenever he has played for England he has done very well. I know he's very young but when he's on the pitch it doesn't look that way.

"Overall I am happy with the squad. Hopefully now they will stay fit and then we will have a very good team."