ENGLAND FANS SET FOR WORLD CUP MATCH WITH GERMANY

Millions of fans are gearing up for England's crunch World Cup match with Germany in South Africa later.

Thousands of festival goers will watch on a special big screen at Glastonbury, and with temperatures set to soar, pubs up and down the UK will pack them in.

About 15,000 supporters have arrived in the city of Bloemfontein, where security remains tight and UK and German police will patrol together.

Prime Minister David Cameron sent Fabio Capello's players a good luck message.

'Whatever it takes'
He said he hoped to watch part of the second half with German Chancellor Angela Merkel in between talks with other world leaders at the G20 summit in Toronto, Canada.

Princes William and Harry have also wished the team well.

Harry said: “As long as our guys do their best, the country will be hugely proud of them.”

Most fans anticipated England topping their group and returning to Rustenburg for their last 16 match, which meant many scrambled to swap tickets and arrange transport.

German police have been patrolling with British officers

A good number will travel back and forth from the mining town on the day, while others have vowed to sleep in cars because hotels were booked out.

Touts have been selling tickets for about 2,000 rand (£175).

Uniformed officers from both countries are due to patrol together to present a united front and “set the tone” for both sets of supporters.

Assistant chief constable Andy Holt, leading the UK delegation, has praised the behaviour of England fans and said he did not expect trouble.

Mr Holt said: “The fans will see British bobbies paired up with German bobbies.

“We are trying to get the message across loud and clear that we are working together extremely closely.

More nervous
“We're playing perhaps our biggest rival in footballing terms. They've beaten us in previous competitions. That's the sort of tension that adds to the whole atmosphere.

“I'm mindful of that. I still don't think there will be mass disorder but it will be a more nervous and tenser affair than any match we've had previously in South Africa.”

England beat Slovenia 1-0 in Port Elizabeth on Wednesday to reach the last 16, and skipper Steven Gerrard said they would do “whatever it takes” to make the last eight.

Fans fear a repeat of the 1990 World Cup and Euro 96 semi-finals when England lost to Germany on penalties.

But Gerrard said: “If we have to go to extra-time and penalties, we will be ready.”