HUNDREDS of pupils all over Bolton raced to school -- for a change -- clutching flags and banners to cheer on their England heroes.

Many schools opened their doors as early as 7.15am to allow children to settle in front of TV screens for the big game.

More than 100 youngsters at Oxford Grove Primary School tucked into a toast and fruit breakfast as they enjoyed the nail-biting game.

Parents helped the staff prepare the breakfast and many stayed to watch the match with the youngsters, many of whom were so excited they had not slept last night.

Plenty of boys at the school sported David Beckham Mohican haircuts while some of the girls wore Union Jack and St George flag T-shirts and hats.

William Howard, aged six, said: "I am very very excited, we were all talking about the game yesterday in school and I was thinking about it when I went to sleep last night."

Abigail Tweekes, also aged six, said: "I was so excited that I jumped out of bed at 5am and got my Daddy up as well. I am a big Bolton Wanderers fan but I love watching England play as well. My favourite player is David Beckham. I think his haircut is great."

Parent Carlton Constantine whose eight-year-old son Curtis was very excited about the game, said: "It's a great idea to get the kids into school early. I'm just as excited as them. Bringing them all together has really has got them into the game."

Headteacher Paul Kelly said: "I thought about bringing the kids in when England did so well against Argentina. When I mentioned it in assembly they all seemed very excited and we are pleased so many of them have made the effort to come into school early."

Football fever hit many other schools throughout the town. At Withins High School pupils supported England along with their Chemistry and Biology teacher Peter Stiles.

Peter is the son of legendary Manchester United player Nobby Stiles, who was part of the victorious 1966 England World Cup Squad.

Some secondary schools took the decision not to show the match at all in case it disrupted GCSE and A level examinations. However dozens of schools opened their doors for pupils to come in and watch the match providing they attended classes as normal immediately afterwards.