England's football hopefuls may have been disappointed but soccer crazy Lewis Swift was certainly not - well, only slightly.

The 11-year-old had the time of his life after being chosen to lead the England side out in front of the 74,000 crowd at Wembley's friendly international.

And while he was, to say the least, disappointed, by his heroes' 2-0 defeat at the hands of the world champions " he had an absolutely fantastic day," said proud dad Bobbie.

Lewis, of Turpins Lane, Kirby a pupil at Colchester High School, was chosen to carry the Fair Play banner from thousands of young England supporters after his name was entered in a draw to be a mascot.

Highlight of the day was the chance to meet team members including David Beckham, Michael Owen and Alan Shearer and Rio Ferdinand - who he thought was the "tallest man in the world".

Then with the five other flag bearers he walked onto the ground's hallowed turf and knelt for the National anthem.

Lewis is a junior member of the England Travel Club and also supports Manchester United.

As a momento he was allowed to keep a tracksuit and hat he wore.

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