England’s match with Liechtenstein has been given the go-ahead, after UEFA confirmed it was happy with the security arrangements for the game.

Doubts had been raised over the principality’s ability to cope with the fixture in the wake of the conflict in Iraq, but the Liechtenstein authorities have convinced UEFA and the English Football Association (FA) that they can deal with any potential security issues.

“The game is on, UEFA have got the assurances they required about safety,” said FA spokesman Paul Newman.

“We’re delighted. Everybody will be pleased – it’s game on.”

Liechtenstein coach Ralf Loose added: “We are glad, because our team have been preparing for this match,” he said.

“I told my players before training that we have to focus on the match.”

The news will come as a relief to England coach Sven Goran Eriksson, who earlier in the day, revealed that he hoped the match would take place.

“The players should think about playing football and I should think about what to do with the players – our security men should take care of that (situation),” Eriksson said.

“If it’s okay for them it should be okay for us. It is a pity we even need to talk about these problems.”

“To play the game would be better for us and probably for Liechtenstein. We are preparing for the game and that is it.”