Now England are established back at the new Wembley Stadium, the push is on to create a fortress-like atmosphere ahead of the 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign, which starts later this year.

With this in mind, The FA has designated the lower tier of the west end of the stadium as the ‘home end’ for the match against the USA on Wednesday 28 May. Members of the official supporters club, englandfans, will be encouraged to book their seats in this section of the stadium, which seats some 10,000 supporters.

“Of course, fans can choose to sit where they like, but we feel the time has come to create an area England supporters feel is ‘theirs’, much like a club ground,” says FA Chief Executive Brian Barwick.

“By encouraging our most loyal fans to book seats in a defined area, we hope it will become the part of the ground where the singing and chanting will start – and then radiate around the ground.

“Just like moving to a new house, we’re learning to live at Wembley all the time. We will continue to make improvements to the benefit of fans – and ultimately Fabio Capello and his team.”

Tickets for the USA game go on sale to englandfans members exclusively from midday this Friday 4 April, before going on public sale next Tuesday 8 April.