A YOUNG football fan's dream came true when he sang God Save The Queen with his soccer hero David Beckham.

Blackburn Rovers fan Thomas Burrows, seven, had been practising the National Anthem every night for more than a week in anticipation of his television debut as mascot for England and blasted out the words before Saturday's friendly against Sweden.

The youngster, of Bishopdale Close, Feniscowles, won the chance to step onto the pitch at Old Trafford leading Sweden's players after beating thousands of hopefuls in a contest run by Sky TV's Goals On Sunday show.

He correctly guessed the number of goals David Beckham had scored for England this season -- which was increased on Saturday from five to six after his penalty in the first half of the 1-1 draw.

And after hearing the good news that he would join 21 other mascots, Thomas pulled out the video of England v Greece -- which he also attended -- to set about learning the words for the National Anthem.

Thomas's dad Neil, a training instructor in engineering with Blackburn-based training 2000, said: "Just seeing him walk on to the pitch brought a lump the size of an apple to my throat. There was an atmosphere and a half.

"I felt so proud of him and we have some cracking photos to treasure. This is something he will never forget as he is football mad. It will be imprinted in his mind for ever."

Other than singing with his sporting heroes the youngster, who led Sweden's goal keeper Magnus Hedman onto the ground, said the highlight was when Tottenham striker Teddy Sheringham gave him a high five in the tunnel before the match.

He added: "It was exciting -- I really enjoyed myself. My favourite footballers are David Beckham and Michael Owen but it didn't matter that Michael Owen wasn't there.

"My friends didn't believe me though that I was going so I hope they watched it on TV."

Thomas was also presented with his own England kit before the event but said he won't be taking that or his photos into Feniscowles Primary School in case he loses his precious mementoes.

The game on Saturday also became quite a family occasion as Neil, 32, a lifelong Rovers fan, and Thomas already had tickets for the match. So the win meant that mum Mandy, 34, and grandad Tom, 58, were able to join them for the game with the extra tickets.