Six out of ten England fans believe we can win the World Cup, a study has revealed.
The huge wave of optimism surrounding Fabio Capello’s men as they prepare to jet off to their South African base emerged in a study carried out among 1,200 football fans.
Although hopeful we will go all the way and bring the trophy home, England fans reckon Brazil are the biggest obstacle to a place in the final.
The build-up to the tournament has also sparked a swing in the club versus country debate with 65 per cent believing it is more important for England to do well than the club they support.
Chris Sinclair, CEO at The Oxford Research Agency, which commissioned the study, said: ”There’s a real sense of unity amongst English football fans as the tournament approaches.
”We have a healthy respect for all the major forces in World football, but under Capello’s leadership there is a sense of quiet expectation.
”As the team jets off to South Africa it can certainly be confident the public are right behind them.”
The study also found three quarters of England fans will be watching the games in the comfort of their own homes.
One in five will go to a friend’s house or retreat to the local boozer.
It also emerged almost one in ten fans have lied to a loved-one in order watch a football match while a similar number have changed the date of an important event to fit a game in.
One in five have taken a day off work to watch a game. Another one in ten England fans reckon football is better than sex.
It also emerged England fans are more optimistic than those from France, where only one in three believes they have a chance of winning the cup.
Seven out of ten Germans believe they can be victorious.
Chris Sinclair added: ”More than ever football is the global sport. It brings people together, arouses incredibly strong passions, and is also an excuse for an extended party as people come together to support their national team.”
