Sunderland striker Kevin Phillips has been handed his first start for England in seven months in today's final warm-up international for Euro 2000 against Malta in Valletta.

Phillips has got the nod from England coach Kevin Keegan to partner Alan Shearer - just five days after he feared he would miss out on making the final 22 for Holland and Belgium.

Phillips, who scored 30 goals in the Premiership last season, last started for England at the Stadium of Light against Belgium in October.

Keegan also gave a first start to Ipswich goalkeeper Richard Wright to cap a memorable week for the player. On Monday he celebrated helping his club to reach the Premiership via their play-off success over Barnsley at Wembley.

Nick Barmby also gained his reward for impressing as a late substitute against the Ukrainians by earning his first England start for four years.

Gary Neville, Dennis Wise and Martin Keown all return to the starting line-up after being rested on Wednesday.

£100M EURO Bets Bonanza

Meanwhile, punters in the UK are expected to break through the £100 million barrier as bookmakers predict record-breaking wagers on Euro 2000 games.

Euro 2000 is set to become the world's biggest single sports betting event, with the growing popularity of having a flutter via the internet likely to send the amount staked on the tournament soaring.

More than £80 million was placed with the UK betting industry during the 1998 World Cup.

Ladbrokes' latest betting on the tournament has seen England's odds cut to 9-1 fifth favourites. Holland remain 7-2 favourites.

Arsenal's French striker Thierry Henry is 6-1 favourite to land the golden boot as Euro 2000's top scorer.