Not long now before Euro 2004 kicks off in Portugal, and little time for England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson to make his mind up about who will be in his squad.

No doubt the Swede will be scratching his head over who to play up front with Michael Owen and what to do if Rio Ferdinand's suspension is not overturned.

Thankfully Sven can rest easy, because Obiter has the solution.

It comes in the shape of City firm Lovells' ladies football club, also known as the Lovellies.

They recently won the London Ladies Legal League for the 2003/04 season, setting a standard that Arsenal are looking to emulate in the Premiership by remaining unbeaten.

The Lovellies also enjoyed a massive goal difference in their favour of 59 and Alice Taylor-Gee, showing Thierry Henry-like 'va va voom', picked up the Golden Boot for top scorer.

Remember Sven, it's now 38 years of hurt and counting.

Pictured from left to right are Rhonda Walker, Aoife Murphy, Justine Sacarello, Elaine Penrose, Alice Taylor-Gee and Susie Geddes.

This article refers to images that appear in the printed edition, see [2004] Gazette, 18 March, page 14