SOCCER-mad Jordan Belston is off to Portugal today, two days before he leads England out against France in their opening match of Euro 2004.

Jordan (8) is one of ten lucky youngsters chosen by McDonald's, one of the tournament sponsors, to walk with an England player onto the pitch on Sunday.

His pals gathered outside his home in Penrith Avenue, Whitefield, and hung flags and banners saying "C u on TV" underneath the front window and along the garden wall.

Jordan, who plays for Bury FC Juniors at Gigg Lane, fractured his collarbone in December and then two months later broke his arm.

His coach, Jason Nicholas, was so impressed with his positive attitude that he nominated him for the competition.

Jordan will fly out with his dad, Paul. He said: "We were so excited that Jordan will be leading one of the players out onto the pitch that we had forgotten that we would actually be watching England's first game.

"At the moment Jordan is a bit nervous about it but very excited. It's a dream come true for him."