Over-excited England fans are being warned to keep their eye on the ball after causing a surge in insurance claims during the last World Cup.

Insurance firm Aviva says accidental claims submitted by customers where a football played a part in the damage increased by 82% during the last tournament.

And with England's game against Senegal expected to draw a large audience of fans when the teams go head to head on Sunday evening, it's a timely reminder to anyone keen to show off their skills at half time to be careful.

Electronic equipment, windows and soft furnishings regularly fell foul of kick-abouts and emphatic celebrations during and after matches, say those to have studied Aviva's accidental damage claims four years ago during the 2018 tournament in Russia.

Accidental damage cover is usually available as an add-on with home insurance policies and offers protection for unexpected incidents.

Flailing feet kicking a hole in wall plaster, footballs breaking television screens, glass and people's expensive glasses and even a broken laptop when one football fan attempted to take a bath while watching the game and knocked his screen into the water, were all among the compensation requests received by insurers.

On average, says Aviva, each football-related claim carried a value of around £530 each.

Other incidents included football kits being scorched by tumble dryers in a rush to get them dry and claims for lost mobile phones that football fans mislaid while out on the town supporting Harry Kane and his team mates during their last major competition.

Kelly Whittington, UK Property Claims Director for Aviva said: "Our claims provide a unique insight into how people get involved with the World Cup. During a big competition, it seems adults and children are keen to have a kick-about and show off their ball skills.

"As a football fan, I completely understand the excitement and emotions that surround a big tournament – but we’d encourage people to go steady, particularly around any windows or electrical items, so they don’t find themselves scoring an own goal."