PICK OF THE DAY SUNDAY / Basketball European Championship Sheffield

England have reached an important stage in their qualifying for the European Championship finals in 1997. On Sunday in Sheffield they play Germany in the semi-final round group B meeting, which will be their third game in the 10-match qualifying series. Despite losses against Latvia and Estonia, England are confident of doing well against Germany, the 1993 European champions, to keep their campaign moving towards qualification. A warm-up series of three games, against the Netherlands, Lithuania and Belgium, has ensured that the hosts are in good shape to meet the tall, experienced German side, who have already lost to Russia but beaten Latvia, at the compact, atmospheric venue of Ponds Forge International Sports Centre. The match tips off at 6.15pm.

How to get there: Ponds Forge International Sports Centre, Sheaf Street, is in Sheffield city centre. (Tel: 0114 278 9199). Tickets: pounds 6 adults, pounds 4 children, available from The Basketball League (0121 308 3505) or Ponds Forge.