Robbens wins fitness race for Euro 2004

Arjen Robben has been included in Holland’s 23-man squad for Euro 2004 after proving his fitness to coach Dick Advocaat.

The 20-year-old, who will join Chelsea from PSV Eindhoven in a five-year deal this summer, had been a major doubt after picking up a hamstring injury in April.

But he insists he is now fully fit and hoping to make the starting line-up in Holland’s opening game against Germany on June 15.

“I am looking forward to playing at the European Championships,” he told Voetbal International.

“I have already played in the Under-19 World Cup in Argentina and that made quite an impression. Now it all will be much bigger.

“My only goal is to show that I am ready for the first game against Germany if the coach wants to use me.”

Chelsea duo Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Mario Melchiot failed to make Advocaat’s final 23 but are on standby, as are Manchester City midfielder Paul Bosvelt and PSV’s Andre Ooijer.

Holland squad for Euro 2004:

Edwin van der Sar (Fulham), Ronald Waterreus (PSV), Sander Westerveld (Real Sociedad); Frank de Boer (Rangers), Wilfred Bouma (PSV), Giovanni van Bronckhorst (Barcelona), Johnny Heitinga (Ajax), Michael Reiziger (Barcelona), Jaap Stam (Lazio); Mark van Bommel (PSV), Phillip Cocu, Edgar Davids (both Barcelona), Clarence Seedorf (AC Milan), Wesley Sneijder, Rafael van der Vaart (both Ajax), Boudewijn Zenden (Middlesbrough); Pierre van Hooijdonk (Fenerbahce), Patrick Kluivert (Barcelona), Roy Makaay (Bayern Munich), Andy van der Meyde (Inter Milan), Ruud van Nistelrooy (Manchester United), Marc Overmars (Barcelona), Arjen Robben (PSV).