The Czechs, who lost to Germany in the Euro 1996 final and reached the semi-finals in 2004, are determined to re-establish themselves as a force in European football after slipping to 26 in the FIFA world rankings.
With a mix of experienced players led by Arsenal's Tomas Rosicky and Chelsea's Petr Cech, along with a raft of newcomers, the Czechs are optimistic of at least progressing from what should be a tightly-contested group also featuring co-hosts Poland and Greece.
"All the teams will think they have a chance to qualify for the quarter-finals," Czech national team manager Vladimir Smicer said. "The really important match for us will be the first game against Russia. They are the favourites in our group."
Despite a sluggish start to the qualifiers which included a laboured 2-0 win over tiny Andorra and a 1-0 home defeat to Slovakia, Russia comfortably sealed their place at this year's finals by finishing top of qualifying Group B.
"I hope he is in good form and can perform because he is our most experienced striker," the former Liverpool player Smicer said. "If he is playing well then everything is much easier for us."
