Security is tight for Saturday's game

Five England football fans have suffered serious injuries in violent clashes ahead of Saturday's game in Liechtenstein.

Three men have suffered gunshot wounds and two others were stabbed in the fighting in the Swiss city of Zurich, where many of the fans have been staying before the match.

An English police spokesman said they had apparently been attacked by foreign hooligan groups.

Up to 800 England supporters arrived in Switzerland on Friday, ahead of England's 2-0 victory over Liechtenstein in a Euro 2004 qualifier.

Shots fired

One of the injured supporters is in intensive care, while the rest have been operated on.

Zurich police confirmed the three fans who suffered gun shot wounds were aged 32, 37 and 38.

The two others taken to hospital with stab wounds were 38 and 42. None have so far been named.

A spokesman for Zurich Police said several shots were heard at about 0100GMT close to the Calypso Bar and a nearby food stall.

Twenty-five England supporters were arrested following fighting as police officers used tear gas and rubber bullets to control the rioting.

Police said football supporters threw bottles at police as scores of officers attempted to control the crowd.

"The hooligans were breaking things and fighting. A lot of windows were smashed," said a spokesman for Zurich police.

"We had the first call at 6pm. They were fighting and throwing bottles at police. Tear gas was used.

Alcohol

"The English were drinking a lot of alcohol. By 2am, it was all quiet."

The spokesman said a large number of the arrested had been released, but was unable to confirm whether any had been charged.

Many of the 800 England supporters who arrived on Friday are not thought to have paid for seats at the Liechtenstein game.

Police there have said those without tickets will be turned away at the border.

The game is being played at the world's smallest stadium certified to hold international matches, and only 900 seats have been allocated to away fans.