England fans challenge Swedish camp (From Hereford Times)

England fans challenge Swedish camp

7:43pm Thursday 14th June 2012 in National News © Press Association 2013

England fans at Euro 2012 have taken over part of the Uefa fan zone in Kiev in response to the huge Swedish presence in the city.

They were keen to make themselves seen and heard by the Swedes, who will vastly outnumber the English in the Olympic Stadium on Friday night.

Hundreds of supporters moved into an area of the fan zone directly opposite the designated Swedish Corner. They hung large England flags from beer tents and serenaded rival fans with a rendition of the National Anthem.

Project manager Chris Banks, 24, from Reading, Berkshire, said: "Sweden have got their own bars and restaurants so they all congregate in the same place. But England fans are making themselves known. We're loud!"

Travel agent Phil Davis, 34, from Nottingham, said: "They're pretty much everywhere, it's a little part of Sweden but we've set up camp opposite them. It doesn't match up, but it's a decent effort."

Around 20,000 Swedish fans are set to attend the match, compared with 5,000 cheering for England. History is also against Roy Hodgson's men as the Three Lions have never beaten Sweden in a competitive match.

But England fans predicted the team could overcome the circumstances to take three points.

Rob Stone, 51, from Derby, said: "I think it will be 3-1 to England, and I think we'll win the group." Anthony Oliver, 27, from Welwyn Garden City, predicted a close game but claimed England would clinch a 1-0 victory.

Meanwhile, the England band have been given assurances they will be allowed into the remaining games at Euro 2012. After driving 2,800 miles to Donetsk for Monday's opener with France and being granted admittance to the stadium, the band were stunned when security staff confiscated their instruments.

Following representations by the Football Association, Uefa has confirmed the band will be allowed into the game.