England "can go all the way", says Caroline

7 June 2004

Caroline Flint gave her backing to the England team when she met Sven-Goran Eriksson and the England squad at their Manchester training ground just before their departure for Portugal.

The Don Valley MP and Home Office Minister had been meeting the FA to discuss plans to ensure England is remembered for the quality of its football not for the off-field activities of some supporters.

Said Ms Flint: "I wished Sven luck for the tournament, but when you see the England set up, the preparation, the state of mind of the players, you realise luck is only a small part. The players look really sharp. The team has talent in abundance, they are relatively injury-free and Sven will have them well organised.

"This team can go all the way. They can do the nation proud."