Padraig Harrington (IRL)
Age: 37
Ryder Cup Caps: 4
Record: P17 W7 H2 L8
World ranking: 4
Majors: 3

Followed up his breakthrough win in the British Open last year by defending his title at Royal Birkdale and then taking the USPGA title to rise to a career best third in the world. Has played in the last three straight Europe wins and will be the team's flag-bearer in Valhalla but fatigue could be a problem.

Sergio Garcia (ESP)
Age: 28
Caps: 4
Record: P20 W14 H2 L4
World ranking: 5
Majors: 0

His competitive instincts and swashbuckling style thrives in the Ryder Cup arena like Spanish compatriot Seve Ballesteros before him. Very much the life and soul of the Europe team though must be bearing the scars of his heartbreaking failures to win a major. Particularly potent in the team situations of foursomes and fourballs.

Paul Casey (ENG)
Age: 31
Caps: 2
Record: P6 W3 H 2 L1
World ranking: 38
Majors: 0

A wild card pick after an infuriatingly inconsistent last 18 months. Casey was a star turn in Ireland two years ago when he became the first player to win a Ryder Cup tie with a hole-in-one a week after he won the World Match Play title at Wentworth. Also won the World Cup for England with Luke Donald but has under-achieved so far in the majors.

Robert Karlsson (SWE)
Age: 38
Caps: 1
Record: P 3 W0 H2 L1
World ranking: 22
Majors: 0

The 6ft 5in Swede has been the Mr. Steady of world golf this year with top 10 finishes in the first three majors. Failed to win a point in three games in Ireland two years ago, losing to Tiger Woods in the singles. May be used sparingly by skipper Nick Faldo as he is not known to be a big occasion player.

Henrik Stenson (SWE)
Age: 32
Caps: 1.
Record: P3 W1 H1 L1
World ranking: 6
Majors: 0
More spectacular and with more potential than compatriot Karlsson, Stenson enjoyed the honour of sinking the winning putt in Ireland two years ago and was World Match Play champion in Arizona last year. Joint third with Greg Norman at British Open in July and fourth at the US PGA has seen him establish himself firmly in the world top 10.

Lee Westwood (ENG)
Age: 35
Caps: 5
Record: P25 W14 H3 L8
World ranking: 12
Majors: 0

Along with Garcia and Colin Montgomerie, the key player for Europe over the last decade of Ryder Cup action. The competiton brings out the best in him, witness his contested wildcard selection by Ian Woosnam two years ago when he responded with three wins and two halves. Unbeaten in last 10 games, two short of Arnold Palmer's record. In top form this year.

Miguel Angel Jimenez (ESP)
Age: 44
Caps: 2
Record: P9 W2 H2 L5
World ranking: 19
Majors: 0

Evergreen veteran who will be oldest member of European team. Seems to get better with age and took everyone by suprise by bounding up the European rankings again including the BMW PGA title in May. Looks set to be paired with younger compatriot Garcia at least for the fourballs but the cigar-smoking, wine-loving bon vivant is unlikely to play twice a day on Friday and Saturday.

Justin Rose (ENG)
Age: 28
Caps: 0
Record: 0
World ranking: 14
Majors: 0

Has taken a while for the child prodigy to finally break into the Ryder Cup team but that was all but sealed after a tremendous 2007 that saw him excell in the majors and finish the year as European Order of Merit winner for the first time. Has been lackluster this year though and persistent back pain could see him struggle to play 36 holes a day.

Graeme McDowell (NIR)
Age: 29
Caps: 0
Record: 0
World ranking: 30
Majors: 0

Another amateur star who has struggled to totally make the grade in the big league. But simplifying his schedule and returning home to the links of Royal Portrush brought dividends this year and a huge win in the Scottish Open in July did wonders for his confidence. Enjoys matchplay but has faild so far to produce his best on US courses.

Soren Hansen (DEN)
Age: 34
Caps 0
Record: 0
World ranking: 43
Majors 0

Hard-working Dane follows Thomas Bjorn onto the Ryder Cup Roll of Honour. Irish Open victory in 2002 was his only European Tour success in more than 200 starts, but he won again in Germany late last season and finished a best-ever eighth in the Order of Merit. This year has finished third in the Spanish and French Opens. Still a surprise and little-known qualifier though.

Ian Poulter (ENG)
Age: 32
Caps: 1
Record: P2 W1 H0 L1
World ranking: 28
Majors: 0

The ever controversial and colourful Englishman will again be the centre of attention in Valhalla as he was a suprise wildcard pick ahead of stalwarts Darren Clarke and Colin Montgomerie. Faldo had been impressed by his runner-up finish in the British Open. Will have to curb his extravagent dress sense to don team colours.

Oliver Wilson (ENG)
Age 27
Caps 0
Record: 0
World ranking: 48

Will be the youngest member of European team, with the lowest world ranking and the only one not to have won a pro tournament. But he was a top amateur and is one of England's brightest hopes for the future. Depends on how he copes with the pressure.