A SEA of red and white flags and shirts swarmed Bridge Street on Thursday afternoon as workers clocked off and flocked to their nearest TV screen.

Pubs were packed to the brim as World Cup fever hit the town and fans gathered to cheer on England.

After a slow start and after a few near misses England finally made the grade with a 2-0 win over Trinidad and Tobago courtesy of Crouch and Gerrard - much to the delight of Liverpool supporters.

Amid fierce speculation fans cheered the surprise arrival of Wayne Rooney on the pitch during the second half of the game giving him time to adjust for the knockout stages.

No sooner was the match over than fans were planning their next outing, which will take place tonight at 8pm against Sweden.