France striker Thierry Henry says England are strong enough to win Euro 2004 as both teams prepared to face each other in Lisbon on Sunday. ‘‘I respect them and I know better than anyone that they are capable of winning the Euro,’’ said Henry. ‘‘They qualified for the 2002 World Cup by beating Germany 5-1 in Germany. They went to Turkey and got the goalless draw they needed to reach Euro 2004, which is not an easy thing to do.”Collina to officiate in opening game Italian Pierluigi Collina has been handed the honour of refereeing the opening Euro 2004 match between hosts Portugal and Greece. The man regarded as the best referee in the world will officiate the Group A game in Porto on Saturday. The European Championship will be the last major international tournament for the 44-year-old. Morientes thanks Deschamps Spain striker Fernando Morientes said he has Monaco coach Didier Deschamps to thank for his place in Spain’s Euro 2004 squad. Morientes, who is expected to spearhead the attack for Spain, said, ‘‘There was one person who trusted in me and that was Didier Deschamps. That’s why I’m grateful to him. Morientes was loaned out to Monaco by Real Madrid and reached the Champions League final with Monaco. (Agencies)
