Uefa confirm England band will be allowed to play at future Euro 2012 games

The England band will play on after being given assurances they would be allowed into the remaining games at Euro 2012.

After driving 2,800 miles to Donetsk for Monday's Group D opener with France and being granted admittance to the Donbass Arena, the band were stunned when security staff confiscated their instruments.

Although they were handed back after the 1-1 draw, the band left for Kiev with no guarantee they would have any more luck at tomorrow's encounter with Sweden.

However, following representations by the Football Association, UEFA have confirmed the band will be allowed into the game.

Although the band's presence is not welcomed by all England fans, on Friday it might be important given Sweden's following is expected to dwarf the Three Lions'.

"We are delighted UEFA have seen sense on this matter and the band can carry on banging the drum for England," said a spokesman for band sponsors Pukka Pies.

Band representative John Hemmingham added: "It's the best news possible. We were gutted to have driven 2,800 miles only to have our instruments confiscated.

"Our sponsors gave us the good news this morning and we are delighted to have the chance to create the best possible atmosphere for England fans in Kiev.

"It's going to be a very unusual situation with Swedish fans outnumbering England supporters by four to one. So we will be doing our best to help our fans generate more than the Swedes."

PA