WORLD Cup fever was sweeping the nation today . . . and nowhere is the passion greater than in Kylemore Avenue, Deane.

The whole of the street has been decked with England flags and bunting.

Matthew Nuttall, aged six, and sister Bethany, aged 11, both pupils at St Ethelbert's School, Deane, are seen here practising their ball skills as they get in the mood for this evening's big kick-off in Germany.

Bethany said: "I think it's great the way everyone's put flags up. I can't wait for the World Cup to start."

Their mother Lisa said: "The majority of the neighbours have joined in and there's a real party atmosphere in the street. Let's hope it's going to bring England some luck."

The World Cup begind with Germany's match against Costa Rica in Munich.

England's first match is against Paraguay in Frankfurt tomorrow afternoon.

Some 30,000 England fans are expected to arrive in the city to cheer on David Beckham's team.

Supporters who have arrived so far have been in party mood.

Police stood by at a diplomatic distance, keeping a careful eye on them.

Earlier fans chanted renditions of The Great Escape outside a bar in the historic Romerberg square as police stood by.

Supporters have been warned that making Nazi salutes is an offence in Germany, but police indicated that singing songs referring to the Second World War would be tolerated.

Frankfurt police chief Achim Thiel told reporters: "The idea is that every fan will be happy here in Frankfurt - we have no order to a police officer to interrupt this "funny, amusing' situation."

The city's mayor Petra Rogh said: "We are ready for our British guests. I am certain we will commemorate a great and peaceful party in the best English tradition."

British uniformed police will be patrolling with their German counterparts to keep an eye on the crowds.