THERE was no way that pupils at Greendown School were going to miss out on England's adventures in the World Cup.

So teachers at the West Swindon school agreed to install a big screen and turn the school's drama studio into a theatre of dreams.

The youngsters will be turning up in their England shirts to enjoy a cooked breakfast and watch the vital final group game against Nigeria at 7.30am next Wednesday, which could decide the team's World Cup future.

The game will raise money for the charity Sport Relief, as pupils pay £2.50 to get in, and it will tie in with lessons about Third World poverty.

Headteacher Steve O'Sullivan said: "As a school we are supporting the charity Sport Relief and the time of the England match happened to coincide with our personal and social education lesson.

"This means that we can show the game and link the event into our charity work and wider issues surrounding Third World poverty, while giving the children an opportunity to watch it.

"I think this will be a one-off because lessons will always take priority over football matches, but this time we were able to link it into the curriculum.

"If England progress further though, who knows?"

Pupils are looking forward to the big match.

Laura Littrell, 13, from Freshbrook said: "I don't think England can win the World Cup but I think they will beat Nigeria.

"Beckham and Owen are going to be the two best players for England.

"It's going to be good fun watching it at school, it'll be better than watching it at home with my dad shouting at the TV."

Sam Morris, 12, of Westlea, said: "The quarter finals is the best England can do, although they will be very lucky to get past France, who they will probably have to play in the second round.

"I think England versus Argentina will be a brilliant match, it could be really tight and finish 2-2."

n JUBILEE red white and blue gave way to green, white and orange today as Swindon's strong Irish community got set to cheer their team on in its toughest World Cup test to date.

Irish pubs such as The Ship, on Westcott Place, and the Tap and Barrel, Manchester Road, were expecting big crowds to watch Ireland's 12.30pm kick-off clash with former champions Germany.

Ship landlady Mary Devaney was optimistic about the team's prospects.

She said: "If they beat Germany they should go all the way to the quarter finals.

"Everybody's really enjoying the competition so far and we are all rooting for them."