ENGLAND goalkeeper David James met his female counterpart Rachel Brown and gave her an exclusive tour of the City of Manchester Stadium ahead of Hope Powell's England women's team kicking off the 2005 UEFA Women's Championship on June 5.

The City of Manchester Stadium will play host to England's opening game against Finland with Warrington's Halliwell Jones Stadium hosting group B matches between France, Germany and Norway - kicking off on Monday, June 6, with Germany against Norway.

Manchester City keeper James has given his backing to the England women's team ahead of Women's Euro 2005 and offered Rachel Brown an insider's view to the stadium.

James said: "The women's game has really grown over the last five years and it's fantastic that a tournament of this stature is coming to the north west.

"It could be 10 or 15 years before England host another European tournament so Women's Euro 2005 provides a one-off opportunity for people to see what international women's football can offer."

He added: "The fact that it's on home soil is also a big bonus for England, and I don't think that there is a better ground than the City of Manchester Stadium to host England's opening game.

"A big crowd makes a real difference to a team's chances so I would urge all football fans to come along and cheer England on to victory."

Brown commented: "It's been great to have a look around the City of Manchester Stadium before our opening game on June 5. I've also had a sneak preview of the Halliwell Jones Stadium recently when I went to watch Warrington Wolves in action and having visited Ewood Park and played at Deepdale I've had a good look around. I'm also hoping to visit Blackpool before the end of the season."

She added: "The team are really looking forward to Women's Euro 2005 - I can't believe it's less than 50 days until the first game!"

* Book your tickets to the 2005 UEFA Women's Championship now.

England are one of eight nations competing from June 5-19 at venues across the north west of England.

Priced at £5 for adults and £2.50 for concessions, with a discount group rate available, tickets are on sale from: Ewood Park, Blackburn 08701 123456; Bloomfield Road, Blackpool 0870 4431953; City of Manchester Stadium 0870 0621894 option 1; Deepdale, Preston 0870 442 1966; Halliwell Jones Stadium, Warrington 01925 248888.