Football's coming home - that was the verdict from 250 delirious England fans in Oxford after the 2-0 trouncing of Colombia last night.

Supporters wearing face paint and England shirts sang their hearts out at the Champions Club just off Botley Road, Oxford.

There were cheers as Glenn Hoddle's line-up included crowd-pleasers David Beckham and Michael Owen.

But it was manager's favourite Darren Anderton who broke the ice with a stunning goal.

"Watch out Argentina" was the message from fans when it emerged that Romania had drawn 1-1 with Tunisia, forcing England to play their old World Cup enemy.

Callum Oke, 12, of The Tandem, Kennington, watched the match on the big screen with bar owner Dave Rist. He said: "This is my first World Cup and I'm so excited. I can't wait for the next match."

Mr Rist added: "It is games like this that make running the Champions bar worthwhile. Some of the England supporters came in hours before kick-off but everyone has been very good-natured and there is never any trouble."

Jason Dixon, 17, of Hawthorn Way, Kidlington, said: "Darren Anderton was a revelation. Bring on Argentina."

Overjoyed fans celebrated the second goal by dancing round the beer garden. Matty Pittick, 27, from Barton, Oxford, said: "It's been a great night. England played with real guts for a change."

Bar manager James Thorpe, 18, said the atmosphere beat Euro '96.

"It's better than that, and everyone I have spoken to believes England can go all the way.""

Chris Martin, manager of the Philosopher and Firkin pub in Cowley Road, said: "The pub was packed and the team have kept the World Cup dream alive."

Police said there were no reports of trouble in Oxford.

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