Sanders' selection for the 400 metres, with Ohuruogu picked only for the relay, was the most eye-catching aspect of the Great Britain and Northern Ireland team announcement.

Van Commenee stressed the decision was made to give 27-year-old Sanders, who has been dogged by injury since following her team-mate home to the silver medal at the 2007 World Championships in Osaka, a chance to impress rather than a reflection on Ohuruogu's form.

He said: "Sanders has got a lack of competition rhythm and it will give her that opportunity to be prepared for the rest of the season.

"Ohuruogu has had races already.

"We expect Sanders to run well so it's not a weaker line-up."

Ohuruogu was outclassed by American Sanya Richards last season, managing only fifth at the World Championships as she lost her title following a period of injury, and she has failed to finish in the top three in two Diamond League outings this year.

But van Commenee remains confident 26-year-old Ohuruogu, who captained the side at the inaugural European Team Championships last year, will get it right when it really matters.

"She's trying to find the right pace and making changes in training," he said.

"When you're beaten by quite a margin, by definition you need to do something different to step one or two levels up.

"I would never bet against an Olympic champion with ambition.

"I think certainly having the Games in London will bring a different dimension to Britain's athletes so she'll be in contention."

World champion triple jumper Phillips Idowu (pictured), world indoor 60m champion Dwain Chambers and world 800m outdoor bronze and indoor silver medallist Jenny Meadows have also been named as part of the team to compete in Norway on June 19-20.

"This is a good solid squad with a blend of proven international performers and younger athletes who will be looking to make a name for themselves in a year of European competition," said van Commenee.

"We have deliberately not selected any juniors to the team.

"The European Team Championships is the same weekend as their trials for the World Junior Championships and it is important that these young athletes focus on their age group competition as part of their long term development.

"I'm anticipating some excellent performances. 2010 is an unusual year with a very early start to international competition, but I have confidence in the team to at least equal last year's third place."