On Friday 21st June, the country came to a standstill as Sven-Goran Eriksson's England side failed in their bid to defeat the Samba Boys of Brazil on their march to another World Cup Final success in the Yokohama Stadium, Tokyo.

This coming Sunday, in the very same Yokohama stadium, another England side meet Holland, in an attempt to bring a World Cup 'back home'.

The England Learning Disability squad will play in the World Cup Final after an 8-0 semi-final victory over Russia yesterday that Coach Jeff Davis described as 'awesome'.

Only Holland now stand in the way of victory. The side will go into the game further buoyed today by messages of support from Sven Goran Eriksson, F.A. Technical Director Howard Wilkinson, F.A. Chief Executive Adam Crozier and F.A National Game Director Steve Parkin. Sven said:

"I would like to wish the team the best of luck for Sunday's World Cup Final against Holland. I have been delighted to follow their fantastic success so far."

As well as committing funding for kit, training equipment, travel and accommodation, The Football Association and F.A. National Game Division provide the squad with an extensive medical team that supports the squad. F.A. Chief Executive Adam Crozier today sent the following message:

"It is a terrific achievement to reach the World Cup Final on Sunday. We have all been following the team's progress very closely here in England. They really have performed heroically. We wish the team good luck on Sunday."

England's progress in the finals started on with three group stage victories over Hungary (4-1), Hong Kong (22-0) and Mexico (5-0) before a tight 1-0 quarter-final victory over Portugal ensured they progressed to yesterday's semi-final demolition of Russia.

Sunday's final will be shown live on Japanese TV, and is expected to attract a crowd of over 10,000.

After yesterday's victory, Manager Lyndon Lynch said: "Never in our wildest dreams could we have predicted this. I am so proud to manage a team and staff who have prepared for this tournament in such a professional manner and play the way we did tonight.

"It sets up a mouth watering final game that I know we can win. We have three days to rest before the final game but we will be ready and the lads will do everything possible to become World Champions on Sunday".

England Manager Lyndon Lynch's previous claim to fame was in 1983 when playing for Bishops Stortford in The F.A. Cup in, scoring for the 'minnows' against Middlesbrough in a 2-2 draw at Ayresome Park, before losing out 2-1 in a replay.