World Cup fever is gripping the country on Sunday as pubs, public squares, homes and even churches screen England's opening game against Sweden.

At least 10,000 pubs opened early to allow fans to watch the match in Japan.

Worship comes first of course, but the World Cup only comes round every four years, so we can afford to be flexible

Dr George Carey, Archbishop of Canterbury

Big screens have been erected in public places, including Manchester and Birmingham.

Paul Cumbers, from Sheffield, is one of about 2,000 watching the match in Centenary Square, Birmingham.

"We just followed the crowd down here and we are lapping up the atmosphere," he told BBC News Online.

Only Scottish person

Bob Harris came down from Edinburgh to Birmingham to watch the game.

"I must be the only Scottish person supporting England, but I am having a great time especially with England playing so well," he said after England took the lead 1-0.

At the Sports Bar in Birmingham, scores more fans are watching the game.

After Sweden equalised, Philip Murphy from Edgbaston said: "I think it is in the balance, but we have not created enough chances."

A High Court ruling on pub opening hours started a wave of applications to allow drink sales on Saturday morning.

Many pubs opened as early as 0900 BST, often serving breakfasts in the run up to kick off.

Swedish resident Solveig Berglund, who lives in Coventry, told BBC News Online she was going to a club to watch the game.

Supporting Sweden

"It will have more atmosphere and will be more fun.

"But I will be meeting more England supporters, and I do not know if I will have to keep a low profile.

"I am rooting for the Swedish boys and expect them to win 2-1."

Many cars have been fitted with flags

The Swedish landlady of the White Hart pub in Winshcombe, Gloucestershire, has divided loyalties, but predicts a score of 1-1.

She is offering customers a choice of a traditional Swedish breakfast, including pickled herrings or an English fry-up.

She said: "I think the English fans will take one look at the fish and go for the English breakfast."

With the World Cup, the Golden Jubilee and the BBC's Music Live events, big crowds are expected in city centres over the holiday weekend.

Large screens have been set up for the weekend, and will show several matches.

Venues include:

Williamson Square, Liverpool

Centenary Square, Birmingham

The Forum, Norwich

Millennium Square, Leeds

Kevin Brown, head of events at Birmingham City Council, said: "We are all quite excited about the England game on our three giant screens in Centenary Square."

At Walsgrave Baptist Church, Coventry, Reverend Ian Collinson is screening the match and has moved the morning service forward to avoid a clash.

It is a similar case at Ecclesall church in Sheffield, where the Reverend Peter William is showing the England v Sweden match on a big screen at the vicarage.

He re-scheduled the weekly church service to 0930, an hour earlier than usual.

'Happy to drink'

Beer will also be provided for church-going football fans.

Mr William said: "The church doesn't disapprove of alcohol.

"Most Christians are perfectly happy to drink in moderation."

The Archbishop of Canterbury has approved of Church of England services being moved to allow people to watch the game.

Dr George Carey said: "Worship comes first of course, but the World Cup only comes round every four years, so we can afford to be flexible."