EURO MP Gary Titley met England's World Cup winning heroes on their mission to bring the 2006 tournament back to the home of football.
He welcomed Sir Bobby Charlton and Sir Geoff Hurst on their visit to Strasbourg to drum up support from MEPs.
Mr Titley told them that the campaign had already won the support of soccer fan Tony Blair.
He called on football lovers to back England's bid by bombarding the Football Association in London with letters of support.
"Euro '96 was a huge success," said the MEP for Greater Manchester West. "It proved beyond doubt that we have the vision, enthusiasm and commitment required to stage one of the world's greatest sporting events.
"Our football grounds are getting better all the time and when the new Wembley Stadium is completed England will boast some of the best facilities in the world."
Mr Titley added: "What better way to celebrate the 40th anniversary of England's 1966 World Cup triumph than to bring the tournament back to the home of football?"
Our picture shows Gary Titley meeting England's World Cup heroes Sir Bobby Charlton and Sir Geoff Hurst.
Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.
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