ENGLAND today revealed they will play two of their three group games at Ewood Park during next summer's European Women's Championships, writes DARREN BENTLEY.

As revealed in yesterday's later editions, FA officials have already confirmed that the final of next year's tournament, which is based across the North West, will be played at the home of Blackburn Rovers.

However, East Lancashire fans will not have to wait and hope that England reach the final on June 19 following the news that the Premiership ground has been selected as the home nation's 'base'.

England Women's manager, Hope Powell, said: "The enthusiasm and the crowds we've had in the north west in the past has been wholly consistent, so it will be nice to come back here next year.

"Blackburn Rovers have tremendous facilities, which I am sure the girls will thoroughly enjoy and the nice thing is we are now getting consistent numbers coming to the games.

"The kids are always out in force too, which is important for the growth of the women's game."

The sixth UEFA European Women's Championships, the largest women's sporting event ever hosted in this country, opens on June 5 at The City of Manchester Stadium when England will face an as yet undecided opponent before switching to Ewood Park for their remaining two group games.

The other competing nations will be current holders Germany, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, France, Finland and either Italy or the Czech Republic.