WORLD Cup fever has gripped Haslemere ahead of England's opening game with Paraguay tomorrow (Saturday). St George's flags are on show across the town as everyone throws their support behind "the three lions". People across the area are confident that England can do themselves proud and go all the way in Germany this summer. Even the Mayor of Haslemere, Brian Howard, is getting behind the side, despite some links to north of the border. He said: "In spite of my well-known Scottish links I shall absolutely be cheering for England in the World Cup, even though many Scots won't be. "I genuinely hope they go all the way and I do seriously think that sporting success spins off into a feel-good factor in the community. "Obviously the longer England are involved the better the feeling is." Phil Bates of the Grayshott Pottery was also quick to back the team's World Cup bid. He said: "I will definitely be watching the game at the weekend and I'm looking forward to it. "I really think they can go all the way this year and it would be a boost for the whole country." Even South West Surrey MP Jeremy Hunt has sent his best wishes to the players in the three lions shirts. He said: "Things are looking very good in the England camp. I think the team, under David Beckham's leadership, could go all the way. "Millions of people will tune in to see the team play tomorrow, and fingers crossed they won't be disappointed. "I certainly will be keeping up-to-date with the scores as I go about my various engagements. "My support is completely behind the England team, the next few weeks promise to be very exciting!" Shopkeepers and residents across the Haslemere area are also showing World Cup spirit by decorating their properties. The Bakers Oven in the High Street is decked out in flags and the staff are even wearing England caps. Sharon Ansell, who works at the bakery, said: "It was a joint decision by all the staff to decorate the shop. "We just decided to go for it as the World Cup only comes around every four years. "We all think England can do it and I'm one of the lucky ones who doesn't have to work tomorrow." Sharon Lane, who lives in Playingfield Close, has covered her house in flags and bunting. She said: "We like to show our support for the lads and there's still some more flags to go up yet. "I really think we've got a great chance of lifting the trophy this summer and hope it can be done." The England team are full of confidence following their 6-0 drubbing of Jamaica in a friendly last week. After his hat-trick in that match, manager Sven-Goran Eriksson will be hoping that bean-pole striker Peter Crouch can fill the void left by Wayne Rooney, if he fails to recover from injury. The footballers will be hoping to lift a trophy for the first time in 40 years this summer, following in the footsteps of England's Ashes-winning cricketers and World Cup- winning rugby players. England's group game with Paraguay kicks off at 2 pm tomorrow and the clash with the South Americans will be followed by games against Trinidad and Tobago and Sweden. Have you or do you know someone who has decorated their home in England colours? If you do contact The Herald news desk on 01428 651272.
