England fans roll into Cologne

By Anne Campbell, Metro

Last updated at 11:41 20 June 2006


England's army of fans are expected to take Cologne by storm today as police predict a trouble-free party for the crunch game against Sweden.

It will be a fantastic day of football and that is all, said Asst Chief Con Stephen Thomas, the senior British adviser to the German authorities. 'The atmosphere is fantastic and we will have a great time,' he added.

Sir Peter Torry, Britain's ambassador to Germany, said: 'English fans are coming here in their thousands, they are contributing hugely to the success of this event, and doing the reputation of English football and the country proud.'

The supporters at the centre of the praise were spending the day dodging heavy showers in the run-up to the match, which England need only to draw to top the group.

Rain lashed down on thousands of them in a campsite on the banks of the Rhine and, after early sunshine, there were more torrential thundery showers.

The conditions did not dampen the spirits of the supporters, who are convinced England will beat Sweden for the first time for many years to win their group. 'We're going all the way to Berlin and, if we get to the final, I think we'll win it,' said Geoff York, 52, from Coulsdon, South London, who drives Eurostar trains to Paris.

Sir Peter was also in optimistic mood. 'We haven't beaten Sweden since 1968 and tomorrow is a good opportunity to put that right,' he said.

Chancellor Gordon Brown, Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell and Foreign Office minister Lord Triesman are all expected to be at the game, he added.

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