FIFA honours England women

Women's football in England has made great strides on the international stage in the last few years. Tomorrow it will take another, when the national women's team play France in a curtain raiser to a charity match between the world and European champions and a FIFA World Star XI.

Tomorrow's game, in the Stade Velodrome in Marseilles will raise funds and awareness for SOS Children's Villages, FIFA's nominated charity for the night.

"We are delighted to have been invited," said England coach Hope Powell. "It will be a great experience for the players and a good way to help us prepare for the European Championship play-off in the autumn. It is a real honour."

As to why the invitation was extended to the England team, a FIFA spokesman said: "The English FA was selected to provide the team to face France in recognition of the great progress they have been making in the development of the women's game. Their efforts have been rewarded with this prestigious match."