St Andrew's Church in Linton Road, Oxford, decided to show England's opening World Cup game against Tunisia on a big screen in a bid to boost the congregation.

More than 50 worshippers packed into an ante-room at the Victorian church yesterday, eagerly awaiting the 1.30pm kick-off.

And it was a very much a case of "More tea, vicar", with none of the viewers sticking to the typical England fan's strict diet of lager and vindaloo.

Once Alan Shearer headed home England's first goal it was clear there was no need for supporters to pray for a miracle and everyone relaxed.

One worshipper meekly sipped a can of bitter but there was no bar and the others clearly weren't there for the beer. They drank tea or coffee and munched croissants provided by the minister, to give the occasion a French flavour.

The church decided to show the game after linking up with the Oxford-based organisation Christians In Sport.

Its leaders have produced a video called More Than A Game, which features footballers talking about their faith in God and how it is linked to the way they play soccer.

A number of churches across the country have formed links with Christians In Sport and are staging similar events with a specific World Cup theme.

St Andrew's associate minister, the Rev Stephen Coe, said bringing people into the church to see England score goals was one way of saving souls.

He said: "Our vision is that Christianity involves the good things in life and that includes football. "We wanted friends, neighbours and colleagues and people from the local community, who don't normally come to the church, to enjoy themselves and share the occasion in a friendly environment.

"When fans rioted in Marseilles we prayed for them to limit themselves to friendly rivalry, rather than use the competition as an excuse for violence. I would never advise fans to pray for a result because there are far more important things to pray for. But there is nothing wrong with wholeheartedly supporting your team." Ben Hart, 19, of Kidlington, who was given time off by Tesco to watch the game, said: "This is a nice place to watch football with my friends in a good atmosphere."

I've got to go back to work afterwards so I can't have a drink anyway."

Lee Wells, 27, of Risinghurst, who has been a Christian for 12 years, added: "We don't want to make the distinction between Christianity and secular areas of life. Coming here to watch the World Cup is simply an extension of that."

Keith Metcalfe, a youth worker for Christians in Sport, said: "We think this is a good way to bring new people in, so they can see what the church is all about."

After the match, Mr Coe said: "There were one or two new faces and we think the experiment worked.

"We are all looking forward to England's next game."

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