South Essex is going footy-mad as Beckham's boys prepare to battle the French.

Guess who we support - families in Malyons, Pitsea Picture: MAXINE CLARKE

England's finest will take on Thierry Henry and his team of French superstars in both sides' opening match of Euro 2004 in Portugal on Sunday.

Patriotic feeling is at fever pitch with hundreds of pubs, shops, cars and homes across the region draped in a sea of red and white.

Janet Farmer has covered the front of her house, in Malyons Place, Pitsea, in St George's flags.

She started a trend which would do Admiral Nelson, Bobby Moore and Winston Churchill proud - as four neighbouring houses are now covered in national colours too.

Janet said: "We have 21 flags altogether and loads of red and white bunting. We will all be cheering on England."

Bar staff are preparing to be run off their feet on Sunday, according to manager of the Spread Eagle pub, in Victoria Avenue, Southend, Phil Baker.

He said: "If I didn't show the game the boys would string me up. We are a Southend United supporters' pub, but they will definitely be switching their allegiance to England on Sunday."

Published Friday June 11, 2004

Brought to you by the Evening Echo