England expects: 23million to tune into World Cup showdown with U.S. as supermarkets prepare for £2.5bn bonanza

 

 

By Sean Poulter

Last updated at 11:42 AM on 12th June 2010

 

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England’s bid for World Cup glory begins today with a match that will be watched by 23million at home.

Supermarkets are gearing up for a £2.5billion spending spree as fans stock up on alcohol and barbecue food ahead of the country's opening game against the U.S.A.

With most likely to watch the match at home, today is expected to be the busiest shopping day since Christmas Eve.

 

 

 

Expectations run high: England flags adorn a house in the Knowle West area of Bristol. An estimated 23million people will watch tonight's England vs U.S.A. game

 

 

Fever pitch: Graffiti artist Stae completes the finishing touches to a World Cup-themed house he is decorating in a street in Knowle West

 

 

More than 25,000 England fans have descended on South Africa, where the tournament opened with a spectacular ceremony yesterday.

Back in Britain, the immense spending spree is predicted to be matched only by the weekend before Christmas.

 

A rise of more than 30 per cent in sales of beer, barbecue food, pizza and snacks is expected as millions gather to see England’s first game against the U.S.A.

A TV audience of more than 23million – if pubs are included – is likely to tune in for this evening’s game.

 

Festivities: Boris Johnson welcomed the start of the Fifa World Cup yesterday by blowing vuvuzelas with local children in Trafalgar Square, London

 

 

 

 

 

Services supporters: British soldiers on deployment in Afghanistan from 1 Regiment Royal Tank Regiment, based at RAF Honnington show their support

 

 

 

The power demand on the National Grid around is expected to surge to the highest level since England played Germany in the World Cup semi-final of Italia 90.

Supermarkets are reporting soaring sales of everything from beer and burgers to bikinis, garden gnomes and baby clothes emblazoned with the flag of St George.

Not all the sales are so traditional, however. The Cooperative said it was stocking up on pizzas, chicken wings, lamb samosas and dips such as houmous, guacamole and nacho cheese.

Scroll down for video

 

 

 

Fabio Capello sent a letter of support to British troops in Afghanistan while England captain Steven Gerrard told how the players had been inspired by a video message from soldiers serving in Helmand

 

 

 

 

 

It is a stark contrast to when England won the World Cup in 1966.

 

That year the nation’s favourite dish was home-made fish and chips and popular snacks included cheese and pineapple ‘hedgehogs’, sausage rolls, pork pies, scotch eggs and canned peaches with Carnation Milk, according to research for the supermarket.

Some estimates suggest that World Cup spending this year could boost Britain’s economy by as much as 0.7 per cent.

The Centre for Economics and Business Research put the total spending at £ 2.5billion. However, researchers there warned there is likely to be a drop in business productivity as workers watch matches, bringing the net benefit down to £1.6billion.

 

South African fans celebrate at Durban beach while watching the tournament's opening ceremony prior to the Group A match between South Africa and Mexico

 

 

 

 

 

Proud: South Africa fans show their support for Nelson Mandela, whose great-granddaughter died in a car accident, at the opening ceremony

 

 

 

Fifa President Joseph Sepp Blatter (left) and President of South Africa Jacob Zuma address the crowd before the South Africa vs Mexico match

 

‘Asda estimates that beer and wine sales will increase by 37 per cent and 41 per cent respectively during the tournament as people hold World Cup parties,’ the report found.

‘A blast of good weather would compound this impact. Marks & Spencer said it had ordered in 30 per cent more barbecue food than last weekend, including two million burgers and 2.4million sausages.

Tesco expected 30 per cent more customers in the hours ahead of England matches. Sainsbury’s is planning for a 500 per cent increase in pizza and pint glass sales, a 400 per cent increase in bags of ice and hangover cure sales to rise by 250 per cent.

Tesco said it expected to sell 300,000 TVs and at least 800,000 flags, 500,000 official England footballs and 50,000 pairs of ‘WAG’ knickers.

John Lewis saw sales up by 20.6 per cent in the past week. A spokesman said: ‘As World Cup fever reached a crescendo of anticipation, customers splashed out on new flat-screen TVs.’

Sales at Waitrose were up by 6.1 per cent. A study by the Centre for Retail Research for shopping website Kelkoo calculates the World Cup would increase spending by £2.1billion if England were to make it to the final.

The study said: ‘Food and drink sales are the biggest single area of World Cup expenditure. ‘TV and audio visual equipment sales are forecast to represent the next largest area of spending, as consumers take the opportunity to upgrade.’

Bruce Fair, the managing director of Kelkoo, said: ‘The last final was viewed by 715million people worldwide and it is estimated that the 2006 World Cup increased UK retail sales by £1.25billion.

‘In addition, experts argue that success in the World Cup affects more than a country’s retail and leisure sales. ‘It can also increase the country’s rate of economic growth, have a positive impact on consumer confidence, and ultimately winning the World Cup could result in 0.7 per cent GDP growth.’

 

 

 

 

Passing the time: Passengers in the departures lounge at Heathrow Airport's Terminal 5 watch the opening game

 

 

 

 

 

The binger's paradise

 

Supermarkets have cut the price of beer to less than 70p for the World Cup.

The deals are a direct snub to Government policy on responsible drinking, which opposes the selling of drink at below cost price.

Publicans also complain the supermarket reductions are undercutting them, driving many to the wall.

 

 

Piled high: Beer on offer in a World Cup-themed Tesco aisle

 

Tesco is leading the price cuts, offering up to three crates of lager, bitter or cider for just £20.

However, there are similar deals from other supermarkets. For example, Asda is offering 45 small bottles of Carlsberg Export for £20, while Sainsbury's has 30 440ml cans of Carling for £18.

Tesco's retiring chief executive, Sir Terry Leahy, has publicly backed Government moves to ban the below cost selling of alcohol.

However, the chain, which is the official England team supermarket, is running a World Cup promotion that would probably be illegal under the clampdown.

The store claims it cannot ban such deals in its stores because it would lose out to competitors.

There's a street round the corner with so many England flags across it it looks like VE Day!

There's a street round the corner with so many England flags across it it looks like VE Day!

 

Well I was impressed with Cameron's speech to the troops too. He sounded like he actually meant it, unlike his predecessor.;)

 

This is so Sesame Street. He looks like a muppet.

 

 

Um. Yes. More of this, please. :drunk:

 

This is so Sesame Street. He looks like a muppet.

 

 

Nothing new there.:P

I'm surprised, Boris managed to get the vuvuzela the right way round ;)

What a let-down! Fans' disappointment as England's World Cup campaign begins with a draw after goalkeeper's embarrassing slip-up

 

 

By Ian Gallagher

Last updated at 2:17 AM on 13th June 2010

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• Bitter fans vent their anger at goalie Robert Green's blunder
  
• Tonight's match watched by 23million at home
  
• 10,000 England fans attend match in Rustenburg
  
• Fewer fans than expected due to low ticket sales
  
  

Before he pulled on the No 1 jersey last night, goalkeeper Robert Green was little known to much of the country. But as England’s World Cup opening game against the USA ended in frustrating stalemate, his was the name on the nation’s lips .  .  . for all the wrong reasons.

His humiliating clanger – a blunder that would have shamed a schoolboy, and one which will be endlessly replayed – drew groans of disbelief from a country only too familiar with footballing disappointment.

And yet it had all started so well. England’s nerves had been assuaged by Steven Gerrard’s early goal, only to be shattered by 30-year-old Green’s mistake four minutes before half-time.

Scroll down for videos

 

Disappointment: Shocked England fans in a Newcastle City Centre pub are clearly gutted after Robert Green's goalkeeping blunder

 

 

Disaster: Robert Green, right, fails to stop a goal by United States' Clint Dempsey

 

 

Goal! Minutes after the match started fans in a Newcastle City centre bar celebrated Steve Gerrard's goal

 

Somehow a weak shot from Amer­ica’s Clint Dempsey squirmed through his fingers and trickled into the back of the net, and millions of fans were left hoping it would not become the abiding memory of Rooney and Co’s South Africa campaign.

Despite relentless pressure from Fabio Capello’s men in the second half, the match ended 1-1. Afterwards, as the USA performed a lap of honour, England fans hastened to the bars of Rustenburg, having already drunk one watering hole dry near the stadium four hours before kick-off.

England fans watching on a big screen in Leeds react after Gerrard's goal

 

 

Great start: Steven Gerrard scores past Ricardo Clark of the USA just minutes after kick-off

 

‘It was appalling,’ said Richard Coddington from Stockport. ‘How could he do that to us?’ His friend, Dean Rodwell, was similarly bitter. ‘That was truly tragic. I’m off now to hide from the American fans.’

However, England defender John Terry stepped to his team-mate’s defence. He said: ‘It’s just one of those things, it’s a shame it happened to Robert. We’ll be able to pick him up – we’re in this together, we’ve been away for a long time and hopefully we’ve got a long time to be together still. Mistakes happen.’

Both in South Africa and at home, where millions watched on TV, the hours before the match had seemed long and restless, the anticipation intolerable.

 

Celebration: American and England soldiers watching the World Cup match in the EFI on Bastion in Afghanistan

 

 

 

British soldiers serving in the EFI on Bastion in Afghanistan can't hide their disappointment

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yet when 7.30pm arrived, when Brazilian referee Carlos Simon blew his whistle signalling the start of England’s campaign, all the injury dramas, player scandals and myriad concerns of recent months were laid to rest.

What had once seemed of vital national importance – the storm that raged over the John Terry affair, for instance – was rendered piffling and forgotten. England’s time had come.

Around 10,000 England supporters had made the two-hour journey from Johannesburg to the small town of Phokeng, home of the tribal Bafokeng, or People of the Dew, and the unlikely venue for their opening clash.

The flag of St George flies over Number 10 Downing Street in support of the England squad

 

Along the way they crossed the Crocodile River and absorbed the sights and sounds of the savannah bushveld of the North West Province where, 110 years ago, English blood was spilt in the Boer War.

Finally, the saddle-shaped 43,000-capacity Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Phokeng, a few miles from the mining city of Rustenburg, loomed on the horizon at the foot of the beautiful Magaliesberg Mountain.

Then, what became quickly apparent was that England’s fans, though typically vocal, were significantly fewer than expected – and initially appeared to be outnumbered by those from the USA.

Inside the stadium, though, swathed in St George flags, the vast majority of South Africans lent their support to Capello’s men and the cheers and singing from the American contingent was easily smothered.

It was all so different four years ago when 100,000 England fans swarmed to easy-reach Germany for World Cup 2006.

Over the course of this tournament 25,000 are expected from the UK. Safety fears and high prices have put many off, but there was irritation yesterday that the tournament had been inexpertly marketed.

‘I think this World Cup has been so badly sold,’ said Mark Perryman, of the official England supporters’ club. ‘Somebody, somewhere has made a huge marketing error.’

Tickets went on general sale for a limited period of time on FIFA’s ­official website. Others received tickets as registered member of the FA’s official supporters club called englandfans.

Fans buying them direct from FIFA last year had to take a gamble as they could not be sure then where England would end up playing.

 

Friendly rivals: British and U.S. military personnel pose with the St George's Cross and the Stars and Stripes at the field hospital in Camp Bastion, Afghanistan today

 

 

 

I can't bear to watch: An England supporter sports a patriotic pair of sunglasses outside the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg ahead of tonight's game

 

 

 

There were initially plans for a ballot because of the predicted demand, although it transpired that the number of fans applying was less than the number of tickets available.

It resulted in a second phase of ticket sales in February followed a few months later by an unusual message to ­englandfans members from the FA. It said that if anyone wanted World Cup tickets they could still apply for them.

 

More...

 

 

• ITV left red-faced as HD coverage MISSES England's first World Cup goal
  
• Africa celebrates the continent's first ever World Cup with a burst of joy and colour... and lots of noise
  
• World Cup 2010: CostCo sausages... and a marquee for Coleen Rooney's barbecue
  
• Nelson Mandela pulls out of World Cup opening ceremony after great-granddaughter, 13, is killed in car crash
  
• Britain’s got beer, burgers – and WAGs dressed up but with nowhere to go...
  

 

‘We thought there would be a ­massive army of us here today, but it’s not the case,’ said Philip Armi­tage, 42, from Northampton.

It was all in complete contrast to previous tournament when the ­official allocations were over-subscribed and thousands of England fans desperately sought tickets on the black market.

Tight: U.S. fans in a bar in Chicago react after Steven Gerrard's goal

 

 

 

 

Not a great start: England fans at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium can't hide their disappointment after only managing a draw against the USA

 

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1286074/WORLD-CUP-2010-Afghanistan-troops-send-good-luck-video-England-squad.html#ixzz0qiXo8NFc

ITV apologise after HD coverage misses first England goal

 

 

By Matt Lawless

Last updated at 8:16 AM on 13th June 2010

 

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ITV were guilty of another embarrassing gaffe last night after their HD coverage cut off England's opening goal against the United States.

 

ITV1 viewers managed to see Steven Gerrard's opening goal after four minutes but the fans watching on HD were left bemused after the broadcaster switched to a Hyundai advert.

 

Within moments, hundreds of irate England fans blasted ITV on social network sites Facebook and Twitter.

 

 

TV nightmare: ITV HD missed Steven Gerrard's opening World Cup England goal

 

 

At half-time during England's Group C opener, anchor Adrian Chiles did say sorry to angry viewers.

 

More...

 

 

• England v USA: How the action unfolded in Rustenburg
  
• Go Green! Hammers No 1 starts for Capello in Group C opener
  
• Come on England! Capello has Final dream in sight for Three Lions
  
• Martin Samuel: There is no need to hide, England...this is your moment!
  
• CLICK HERE FOR ALL THE LATEST ENGLAND NEWS
  

 

 

He said: 'Apologies for those watching in HD, I believe there was some interruption in your coverage.'

ITV were unable to estimate how many viewers were affected by the interruption, although a spokeswoman insisted the problem had not orginated in South Africa.

'A transmission problem temporarily affected ITV1's HD service during the England/USA match,' said a spokeswoman for the broadcaster.

 

'ITV standard definition service continued uninterrupted. We apologise for the interruption in transmission.'

 

 

Apology: ITV host Adrian Chiles said sorry to viewers

 

 

 

 

You twits: Hundreds of fans instantly complained on Twitter and Facebook

 

 

Bookmakers Paddy Power had offered pre-tournament odds of 8/1 for the broadcaster to show any ad during play of any match in South Africa with pressure on ITV following their infamous Tic Tacs moment in February 2009.

The then ITV executive chiarman Michael Grade was forced to issue a grovelling apology to thousands of viewers after Everton's dramatic extra time FA Cup third-round winner from Dan Gosling was disrupted by an errant commercial for the mint product.

The latest mishap adds to troublesome start to the World Cup for the broadcaster.

On Friday, ITV's interactive 'watch and chat' website encountered problems with many subscribers unable to log-in to the service.

 

 

And only last month they outraged sports brand giant Nike for controversially cutting their multi-million pound world exclusive ad screening too early during the Champions League Final.

ITV suck

Clint Dempsey played soccer at my university! I just found this out today.

 

That is all.

World Cup 2010: ITV axes pundit Robbie Earle for 'handing tickets to models promoting Dutch beer'

 

 

By Liz Thomas, Christian Gysin and Jane Flanagan

Last updated at 12:50 AM on 16th June 2010

 

 

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Axed: Former footballer and pundit Robbie Earle has been fired by ITV after he abused his allocation of tickets to World Cup matches

 

ITV fired World Cup pundit Robbie Earle yesterday after match tickets allocated to him were passed on to an 'unauthorised' third party.

Stubs of tickets given to the former footballer, who is also an ambassador for England's bid to host the 2018 tournament, were found on a group of Dutch female fans who were ejected during a game.

Fifa, football's governing body, said a 'substantial' number of tickets were apparently used to promote a Dutch alcohol company during Holland's game against Denmark on Monday.

It took action after 36 women wore orange mini-dresses in an apparent bid to promote Bavaria beer, which is not an official sponsor of the World Cup in South Africa.

The group had prime seats and drew attention to themselves by cheering and shouting at the match in Johannesburg.

The practice of hijacking an event to get publicity without paying is known as 'ambush marketing'.

 

The women - thought to be models - were ejected from the match at half time and interviewed by Fifa for several hours.

 

They claimed they were manhandled by match stewards and held for hours, with some in tears. They argued that the dresses distributed by the brewer did not carry any branding.

 

Controversial: Earle (left) on ITV with footballer Edgar Davids and presenter Matt Smith (far right)

 

Some of the tickets in their possession were apparently part of ITV's corporate hospitality package - given to pundits and guests on the condition that they are distributed only among family and friends.

All recipients have to sign a form saying they understand the tickets are not to be passed on.

Last night ITV said it had terminated Earle's contract with 'immediate effect' after discovering the tickets had been allocated to him.

 

 

Ambush marketing: The group of women was ejected from the Holland v Denmark match after they were accused of promoting a brand that was not one of the official sponsors.

 

A senior source at the broadcaster said: 'We know that there were also other matches where tickets allocated to Earle ended up in the hands of a third party.'

Senior figures say it is unlikely the presenter, who has been an ITV pundit since 2002, will work for them again.

Sources close to Earle insist he had simply been let down by a friend and had no idea that his ticket allocation was being used in an improper way by a third party.

The former Wimbledon and Port Vale midfielder, who played for Jamaica at the 1998 World Cup, said last night: 'Call me naive but I didn't think I was doing anything wrong.

'I hope when people hear the full story they will see me in a different light.'

The controversy comes only days after the World Cup bungle which saw 1.5million viewers of ITV's high-definition broadcast miss England's first goal on Saturday when an advert cut into the coverage.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1286788/World-Cup-2010-ITV-axes-pundit-Robbie-Earle-handing-tickets-models-promoting-Dutch-beer.html#ixzz0qy9nNCCT

An omen from above? Vapour trails create St George's Cross in the sky as England prepare for crucial World Cup match

 

 

By Daily Mail Reporter

Last updated at 3:23 PM on 17th June 2010

 

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If England fans are looking for an omen ahead of tomorrow night's big match against Algeria, this could be it.

It seems there is no escape from the World Cup fever that has captured the nation, as this amazing photograph of the St George's Cross emblazoned across the sky shows.

 

Sign from above: Football fan Ted Wood was at the right place at the right time to capture these vapour trails above Mirfield, West Yorkshire, which appear to recreate the St George's Cross

 

The image of the vapour trails, eerily tinged with red against the pale sky, was taken by football fan Ted Wood above his home in Mirfield, West Yorkshire.

The eagle-eyed pensioner is hoping the snap will spur England on to win their second group game after the dismal draw against the USA last Saturday.

 

 

More...

 

 

• Is this England's World Cup omen? Archaeologist discovers 800-year-old THREE LIONS badge
  
• WORLD CUP 2010: England can't fail to make the last eight at least after 'lucky omen' first-match draw
  
• Two blonde Dutch students appear in court over World Cup 'orange mini-dress' stunt
  

 

'I was feeling unwell and was just going to bed when I looked out the kitchen window and saw the sky,' he said.

'I was so surprised, I got my camera out straight away to take a photo. Hopefully it's a sign England will have a good game.'

 

A cut above: Alex Adams enlisted an artist to recreate the Three Lions emblem in his lawn

 

 

Meanwhile, in Cape Town, London Mayor Boris Johnson blows a vuvuzela during his visit to Waterfront yesterday ahead of England-Algeria

 

 

The mayor also showed off his Kanye West-style England sunglasses

 

Lucky charm? This copper badge, which shows the Coat of Arms of England, is thought to date back to the 13th century

 

As England fans prepare to cheer on their team as they face Algeria in their second group match, an avid supporter has shown his support by having the Three Lions crest mowed into his lawn.

Trainee teacher Alex Adams, 23, called in artist Chris Naylor to recreate the 16ft x 20ft emblem over three days.

 

Mr Naylor, 37, used a Worx lawnmower and a handful of garden tools to get the incredible levels of detail in the lions and 'England' lettering.

He cut the grass at different heights to get the embossed shading effect.

 

Alex chose the patriotic crest for his garden in Higham, Kent, after his 23-year-old girlfriend Jenny Stevens kept pestering him to cut the grass.

He said: 'The World Cup only comes around every four years so I wanted to do something special to show my support for Fabio and the boys.

 

'My girlfriend is always nagging me to cut the lawn but even she can't believe this. She is very impressed.

 

'It looks amazing from the upstairs back bedroom and is a delight to look at when I open the curtains each morning.

 

'The level of detail is much better than I was expecting - it looks just like the crest on the England shirts.

 

'I helped Chris with some of the trimming and mowing but was impressed with how much effort he put into his work.'

 

He added: 'There has been a lot of complaints about the quality of turf at Wembley but I've got no complaints about mine. The England team can play here if they want.'

The gesture of support comes after an archeologist what she claims could be yet another lucky omen - a medieval badge emblazoned with three lions.

The copper item, found lodged in a stone wall is thought to date back to the 13th century but clearly shows the Coat of Arms of England.

Caroline Rann, a member of Warwickshire County Council's archaeology projects group, found the emblem - believed to be part of a horse harness - ahead of a building project, in Parkside, Coventry.

‘The badge was lodged between the sandstone blocks and may have fallen in (to the wall) while it was being built,’ the archaeologist said.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1287311/An-omen-Vapour-trails-create-England-flag-sky.html#ixzz0r8FtFZTp

England expects: Schools and businesses to close early so millions can watch crunch tie against Slovenia

 

 

By Daily Mail Reporter

Last updated at 2:05 PM on 22nd June 2010

 

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• 58 per cent of firms will let staff view big game at work
  
• Hundreds of schools to close early for 3pm kickoff
  
• Bookies take more money on Slovenia win than on England
  

Britain will grind to a halt tomorrow as millions watch England's crunch World Cup tie against Slovenia.

With kickoff at 3pm, many companies have decided to let staff go home early.

Around 58 per cent of firms are likely to allow staff to view the big game at work, according to a survey by npower.

Experts also predict a soaring number of sickies as people banned from viewing the tie, which takes place in Port Elizabeth, South Africa's 'windy city',simply stay away

Absenteeism during the 2006 tournament cost UK businesses an estimated £100m per day.

 

Air of anticipation: England fans, seem here in Bristol before the Algeria game last Friday, will be hoping for a better result during the Slovenia match tomorrow

 

Nine per cent of people said they would consider pulling a sickie this year while nearly one in five admitted they might leave work before the end of the day.

Meanwhile, some schools will close early to let pupils get home in time for kickoff.

Kevin Moody, headteacher at Oakwood Park Grammar School in Maidstone, Kent, has agreed to let pupils at the all-boys school leave at 2pm instead of the usual 3.25pm finish.

But in order to make up for the lost time, the lunch break will be shortened.

 

More...

 

 

• The outcast: Slapped down by Capello, World Cup mutineer John Terry is forced to apologise
  
• If you think WE'VE got problems... furious Sarkozy orders Sports Minister to carpet the French team for 'striking' as captain Evra is axed
  
• England gamble all on red with lucky strip for must win game with Slovenia
  

 

In a letter to parents, Mr Moody said: 'A number of students have made representations to me, as apparently there is a rather important football match this Wednesday at 3pm!

'Therefore, after discussions with senior colleagues, we have rearranged the school day. As you can see, we have shortened registration time, lunchtime and period 5 by 15 minutes.

 

World Cup fever: Bryn Nicholls has spray painted his lawn with the Three Lions logo in the front garden of his home in Stourbridge, West Midlands

 

'Our feeling is that it is a sensible course of action which will ensure that learning is not disrupted by other distractions!'

Wortley High School, in Leeds, will let pupils leave at 2.40pm to give them plenty of time to be home for 3pm.

In a letter sent to parents, the school said the decision was made after a 'strong student voice' asked for permission to watch the game.

Others - including Princethorpe Junior School, in Birmingham, have set up a television in the hall.

Andrew Grant, headteacher at St Albans School, in Hertfordshire, said teachers had avoided activities clashing with the World Cup.

'I have no doubt our TV sets will be used for non-educational purposes that afternoon,' he added.

 

The National Grid is braced for a massive surge in demand as millions turn on their televisions - and then their kettles at half time.

 

 

 

 

Desperate times: England fans Matt Millard (left) and Mark Ballard describe what they would be prepared to give up if England went through to the next round

England's last crucial match on a working day, against Brazil in the 2002 World Cup, created the second biggest TV pick-up of all time at 2,570MW.

And pubs across the country are expecting the busiest weekday afternoon in years as people pour in to watch the match live.

In Kent, Bluewater's Showcase Cinema is planning to show the game for free in one of their eight screens.

Anyone - including shoppers and the centre's administration staff - are allowed to attend.

The match against Slovenia is is make or break for England after poor performances in the first two games of the contest.

With just two points from their first two games, anything less than a win would almost certainly see players flying home in disgrace.

To add to England's woes, the camp has been hit by a spate of bitter infighting aimed at coach Fabio Capello and player John Terry, who tried to lead a team coup.

 

Bring it on: Thousands of England fans have travelled to South Africa to watch the World Cup

 

Fans, however, were still hoping for a match-winning performance.

Antony Vaughn, 46, a sales manager from Abington in Northampton, said: 'Football is an emotional game. We need to go out and play with passion.

'They can bicker all they like but at the end of the day everyone just wants them to go out and win the game.

'They've been very poor so far. There's no passion, there's nothing. There's no drive on the field and nobody wants to take responsibility.

'They should be proud to wear the England shirt.'

Steve Buttery, 52, a potato trader from Spalding in Lincolnshire, said: 'I'm keeping everything crossed and I'm hopeful the lads will come good.

'If there has been any friction in the camp, hopefully we've now got that out of the way.'

England were booed off the pitch after their 0-0 draw with Algeria in Cape

Town and fans were spitting with rage at what they saw as a lack of commitment.

 

Fans worldwide: Troops in Camp Bastion, Afghanistan will also be watching the match tomorrow

 

Bookies said yesterday that they had taken more money for a Slovenia win than an England victory.

William Hill spokesman Graham Sharpe said: 'Amazingly, Slovenia would be a five-figure loser for us and England a clear winning result as the book stands at the moment.

'So far the largest bet we have taken for England to win is just £250 - and that's from a client in Ayr, Scotland.'

The England players, however, will have something of a morale boost tomorrow.

Their World Cup dressing room has been painted in the colours of St George.

Capello's squad will be surrounded by patriotic red and white as they psyche themselves up for their crucial match against Slovenia.

Both teams have identical bunkers painted brightly with red floors and white walls.

And unlucky Slovenia - who play in green and white - will be unable to escape the England colouring, which even stretches to the dressing rooms' light switches.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1288603/WORLD-CUP-2010-Schools-businesses-close-early-England-vs-Slovenia.html#ixzz0raiJfohP

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7xnNhzgcWTk]YouTube- Fawlty Towers - Don't mention the war.mpg[/ame]

Quite a lot of people flocked to see the football yesterday afternoon = quieter site :D

Quite a lot of people flocked to see the football yesterday afternoon = quieter site :D

 

I hear Slash was a bit upset, though................................. :rolleyes:

Don't care about Slash, Teddy Thomson was quiet which meant me getting a good spot ready for Keane ;)

 

Managed to see Teddy at the 3rd attempt!

Don't care about Slash, Teddy Thomson was quiet which meant me getting a good spot ready for Keane ;)

 

Managed to see Teddy at the 3rd attempt!

 

Who he?:confused:

I meant Teddy Thompson :P

 

Son of Richard and Linda Thompson

I meant Teddy Thompson :P

 

Son of Richard and Linda Thompson

 

Who they? The Thompson Twins?:rolleyes: