COLCHESTER’S bookmakers were celebrating after England beat Slovenia and qualified for the last 16 of the World Cup – despite it costing them cash.

Although bookies had to pay out to England fans who had not lost faith in the team after their dismal start to the group stages, jubilation at the result outweighed any losses.

Trevor Graves, owner of Greenstead Racing, in Hunwicke Road, was pleased with yesterday’s result.

He said: “I am absolutely delighted. The further England get, the more business we are likely to do.

“The ideal scenario is for England to reach the final and then lose. I do not want them to win it! But I am really glad they won this afternoon.

“The first game, against USA, had quite a bit of betting interest, but it died off a lot after the Algeria match. People lost a bit of faith, but hopefully that will come back now.”

David Tally, area manager of Bobby Swift bookmakers, in Barrack Street, said: “The longer England stay in it, the better it is for us. The majority of bets are on England, simply out of patriotic support.”

Support isn’t solely for the national side, however, as the other early favourites have generated financial backing.

Mr Tally added: “We have also had quite a lot of money on Brazil and Spain to win the competition, so we are also following them quite closely. If England go on to win the World Cup, it would be bad for us.”

James Morrison, district manager of William Hill, which has a branch in Harwich Road, was also happy with the result.

He said: “Even though it is a bad result for the bookies, we all wanted England to win. We are all cheering England on to get to the next stage and to progress as far as they can.”

England’s last 16 game will be played on Sunday.