Roar for our lions

Sporting couch potatoes are in for a thrilling weekend - and numb backsides.

With nearly 48 hours of back-toback action, fans can cheer on England as they triumph in football, cricket and rugby union - all from the comfort of their own living rooms.

To round off one of the greatest weekends of sport in modern times, they can also watch Jenson Button become the first Englishman in five years to win a Formula One Grand Prix.

Er, at least that's the plan. Being England and being sport, there is bound to be a disappointment - or two, or three - along the way.

Bookmakers William Hill have put England at 200-1 to complete a clean sweep of victories.

Fans will have to get up early to catch all the action - England's World Cup rugby union winners hit the field tomorrow at 8.35am.

The world champions open their tour of the southern hemisphere by facing the mighty All Blacks in Dunedin, where New Zealand have only lost three times in 101 years.

After their 80-minute fix of rugby, fans will have just enough time for a quick breakfast before settling in for the third day's play of the final cricket test between England and New Zealand (again).

England's resurgent team lead 2-0 in the series and are looking for their first series whitewash since 1978. Another day of cricket follows on Sunday, interrupted only by the Canadian Grand Prix.

Jenson Button, third in the drivers' championship, is going for his first ever win. And on Sunday night comes what many regard as the main event - the mouthwatering England/France clash at Euro 2004. England, who have not beaten France for seven years, are seen as having a solid chance of causing an upset by overcoming the favourites and title holders.

Fans, though, be warned - England have not won their first game in the finals in six attempts.