Europe's top twelve teams will descend on Antwerp from Monday (August 12) for the six day event which includes four of the participants from the 2012 London Paralympic Games, Britain, France, Sweden and hosts Belgium.

Defending champions Sweden beat Britain 49-42 in Nottwil, Switzerland, to win the 2011 European title after previous wins in 1997 and 1999 and will be disappointed with anything other than the top step of the podium again this time around,  despite falling to seventh place in the latest IWRF world rankings.

Sweden in action at London 2012 ahead of their European title defence


They have been drawn in Pool B alongside France, Poland, Switzerland and Italy as well as first opponents Denmark, who are likely to pose the toughest challenge after recently leapfrogging them into sixth position in the rankings.

Ninth-ranked France will also fancy their chances of improving upon their fourth place finish from 2011 where they lost agonisingly 52-51 to Belgium in a thrilling bronze medal clash.

Over in Pool A host nation Belgium will be hoping for the home crowd to inspire them to improve upon that bronze medal when they get their campaign, and the tournament, underway against Austria on the opening night.

The two will be joined by Germany, Czech Republic and Finland in the round-robin stage with the Germans aiming to improve on the three silver medal's they have won at previous events.

Belgium's toughest challenge however is likely to come from Britain, who at number four in the world are the tournament's highest ranked team, and will be seeking a record fifth title after wins in 1995, 2003, 2005 and 2007.

Captain Alan Ash (far right) is leading Britain's charge for a first European title since 2007


They are due to get underway against Austria, on Tuesday (August 13) and will be hoping that the presence of 40-year-old captain Alan Ash will be enough to inspire them to greater success.

"As a veteran of the sport you get used to playing, but leading the team out this time around adds an extra spice," Ash said.

"I am responsible for the whole team and that is something that I haven't felt before in my career."

"I still want to be the first player in the team sheet and when you are competing against people half your age that isn't easy, but it is a motivation for me.

"The challenge of keeping younger players out of the team motivates me to work hard."

With the event part of Antwerp's role as the 2013 European Capital of Sport, the IWRF will be hoping that the free entrance for spectators will attract plenty of fans to a fast paced sport which was originally known as "murderball."

The event is due to culminate in the gold medal match on Saturday August 17.

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