A group of parishioners in the Midlands will be giving divine support to England in their first World Cup game as the match is screened inside their church.

The morning service at Walsgrave Baptist Church in Coventry is being brought forward on Sunday so that fans can settle down to watch England's first game against Sweden.

Rev Ivan Collinson has arranged the fixture so the community can give their support to the England team from 1030 BST.

Despite the holy setting he said he could not guarantee "divine intervention" for David Beckham's men.

'Great drama'

The church in Hinckley Road has a capacity of nearly 200 and Rev Collinson said there should be a good crowd and a great atmosphere for the match.

"I like football and this is something we could do for the community."

"Not everyone wants to go to a pub to watch the game with a crowd and we've got good facilities here.

"All life is here and there's no greater drama in life than a game of football."

The game will be projected onto a wall in the church

The planned Jubilee service, to mark the Queen's 50th anniversary, would have clashed with the kick-off.

So that service has been brought forward enabling the church crowd to taste the final build-up to England's crucial opener in the tournament against Sweden.

But Rev Collinson said there could be no favouritism for England.

"We could pray for them but to be fair we would have to pray for Sweden as well.

"So I can't give any guarantee of England getting any special help," he said.

The game will be projected onto the main wall of the church just underneath a large crucifix.

Church-goers generally supported the idea.

"It's different," said one parishioner.

"But why should it be that just because you're a Christian and like to go to church on a Sunday that you miss the football?"

Another said: "I don't think I could go into the church to watch the game because I'm a bit vocal and I'd get carried away."