Footballers in knife campaign

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Players from the national squad will join Home Secretary Jacqui Smith and senior police officers in Hertfordshire.

The launch of the campaign comes ahead of England's friendly with the Czech Republic at Wembley Stadium on Wednesday.

The move follows pledges by several top flight clubs, including Chelsea and Arsenal, to use their influence to persuade youngsters to turn away from violence.

Politicians will hope some stardust from the highest levels of the national sport will help them reach into the toughest neighbourhoods.

Ms Smith is expected to reveal the latest progress of the Government's programme to tackle the knife crime crisis.

Deputy Assistant Police Commissioner Alf Hitchcock will reveal new figures from operations in 10 violence hotspots.

Last week Home Office minister Vernon Coaker called for more work to flush out shopkeepers who sell knives to under-18s.

Retailers were warned to watch out for operations in which young volunteers, supervised by police and trading standards officer, will attempt to buy knives.

Earlier this summer, Prime Minister Gordon Brown signalled an end to cautions for those aged over 16 caught with a knife. It was the latest step in a series of moves to increase the penalties faced by those caught with knives.