Words by Martin Jefferies
Pictures by Ruth Cuerden and Martin Apps

Thanet football fans are keeping their fingers crossed for England, after a stuttering start to their World Cup campaign in South Africa.

England supporters flocked to pubs and club across the area to watch the Three Lions' opening game of the tournament against the USA on Saturday (June 12) - only to see the team held to a 1-1 draw after a ghastly mistake from goalkeeper Robert Green.

And while fans were united in cheering on Wayne Rooney, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and co, the battle to find the isle’s biggest England fans began in earnest.

One family turned their home in Ramsgate Road, Margate, into a soccer shrine by covering their walls with St George flags.

Local pubs went red and white crazy, with patriotic displays at The Belle Vue on Northdown Road, Cliftonville, and The Sportsman on Sandwich Road, Pegwell, as well as many other venues.

Meanwhile, sports retailers across Thanet, including DW Sports Fitness at Westwood Cross, experienced a late surge in demand for England merchandise. Store manager Andy Williams said: "Sales have been really strong in the run up to the World Cup and our customers have clearly been feeling patriotic. England merchandise has accounted for around 25 per cent of all sales and we've come close to selling out of some products, particularly the replica home shirt."

Staff at the Tesco Extra superstore on Margate Road, Broadstairs, made plenty of noise with ear-splitting vuvuzela horns and even had a penatly shoot out in the car park.

Other local companies cheering on Fabio Capello's team include the Palm Bay Garage, Northdown Road, Cliftonville, where a specially decorated Renault Clio currently takes pride of place. The dealership is giving away a 40-inch HD-ready TV in a free competition, with customers asked to fill out their details and guess the number of play balls inside the car.

Many offices are expected to allow staff time away from their desks to watch next Wednesday's match with Slovenia. Kick off is at 3pm and it is feared some employees may fake sickness to take the day off work to enjoy the game.

• Download the KM Group’s free World Cup wallchart from http://bit.ly/kmworldcupchart. You can also download our free England poster from http://bit.ly/kmenglandposter. Follow the KM Group’s World Cup coverage at http://bit.ly/kmworldcup.