WELSH dragon Mark Hughes has offered the hand of friendship to England's Women side ahead of their World Cup qualifier against France at Ewood Park this Sunday.
Hope Powell's team are gearing up for their biggest test yet in the quest to qualify for the 2007 tournament finals in China.
And Blackburn Rovers boss Hughes is delighted to see England return to the Premiership arena that attracted record crowds during last summer's Euro 2005 tournament.
Hughes said: "Sunday has all the makings of a great game and I hope football fans from across the region come out in their droves and make this international as successful as the European Championships last summer.
"I have been really impressed with the standard of women's football at every level."
Almost 15,000 fans watched England Women play Denmark last summer at Ewood, while an incredible 25,694 saw Sweden end the home nation's hopes.
Kick-off at Ewood Park is at 7.05pm on Sunday and tickets for the game are on sale at Rovers ticket office, priced £5 for adults and £2.50 for concessions. Call 08701 123456.
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