England kick off their Women's Euro 2005 campaign on 5 June against Finland at the City of Manchester and were delighted to receive the invite from City 'keeper David James - a man who is fast becoming an ambassador for women's football!!

Having met England winger Rachel Yankey at the England kit launch and made a media appearance with 'keeper Rachel Brown last Thursday, James visited the England team at training yesterday to invite the entire team and coaching staff to tonight's match.

He will also be in attendance on Thursday night as England take on Scotland in a warm-up friendly at Tranmere's Prenton Park.

England Women's Team coach Hope Powell said: "It's a fantastic gesture from David and Manchester City and will be a great experience for all the players.

"Seeing the stadium full and walking out of the tunnel before kick-off is something you can't replicate on the training ground, and will hopefully help banish any nerves when we walk out for real in just over six weeks' time.

"Manchester City's fans are renowned for their passionate support and it would be fantastic if some of the fans in the stadium tonight could come back to cheer on our players in what will be the biggest game of their careers."

Tickets to the Women's Euro 2005 matches are available now priced at £5 for adults and £2.50 for concessions, with a discount group rate available. England are one of eight nations competing from June 5-19 at venues across the North West of England. The other seven are: Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Norway and Sweden.

Tickets are on sale from: Ewood Park, Blackburn: 08701 123 456; Bloomfield Road, Blackpool: 0870 443 1953; City of Manchester Stadium: 0870 062 1894 (option 1); Deepdale, Preston: 0870 442 1966; Halliwell Jones Stadium, Warrington: 01925 248888.

Special group discounts are available for groups of over 15. Click here for booking forms and click here for a full list of matches. Alternatively email womenseuro2005@ptarmiganpr.co.uk.