A Westhoughton pub will be nailing its colour to the mast as England goes into the World Cup quarter finals with a tournament-themed name change.

The White Lion Hotel on Market Street will be showing its support for Gareth Southgate’s men by temporarily changing its name to the Three Lions.

A new sign will now be hanging over the pub, which is owned by Manchester brewery Joseph Holton, and will remain their throughout the competition.

Joseph Holt pubs director Mark Norbury said: “We want to give as much support as we can to the team, and thought what better way to do this that changing our name.

“So many people will be heading to our pub to watch the game and it will be even more special to urge the lads on knowing we`re renamed the White Lion to the Three Lions.”

The Bolton News: The White Lion in its usual guiseThe White Lion in its usual guise (Image: Joseph Holt)

The famous emblem has long been associated with England with historians tracing its use back to the reign of King Richard I from 1189 to 1199.

At the time, the three lions represented his three positions as Duke of Normandy, Duke of Aquitaine, and King of the English.

But in the modern era, the emblem is far better known for its associations with the England national team.

The Bolton News: The temporarily renamed Three LionsThe temporarily renamed Three Lions (Image: Joseph Holt)

The White Lion’s name change is just one way that people all across the country are coming together in the hope that the current England men’s squad can claim their first piece of silverware since 1966.

But they will face a tough test against opponents France on Saturday, with superstar Kylian Mbappe having already proven to be one of the standout players of the tournament.

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Joseph Holt says that all of its 127 pubs across the North West will be showing every world cup match.

Brewery marketing manager Paul Longmire said: “We`re all behind the team and we really hope the Three Lions sign can stay in place of the White Lion right the way through  to the final and, fingers crossed World Cup glory.

“The pub is already a popular historical fixture of the town  and we  are delighted to show England our support this way. ”