So far, so good - that's the message from Oxford's football police officer Huw James who is out on duty at the World Cup.

Although England's performances on the pitch haven't been much to write home about, the fans' behaviour off the pitch has been, he says.

Dc James, who is one of 12 British uniformed police officers working in Germany, says fans from all 32 World Cup nations have been enjoying the world's largest festival of football peacefully and amicably.

He said: "All the fans agree, it's been a well-run World Cup. The Germans have done a great job and everyone is enjoying themselves. There has been no major trouble."

Dc James has this week been based in Frankfurt working with German police at the city's two airports, stop-checking fans as they come into the country. He may move to another city next week, depending on what happens to England in the tournament.

He said: "Our being here seems to be working very well. The public have loved seeing British bobbies out and about, and we have definitely made a difference. Sometimes it's just been simple things like breaking down communication barriers.

"There has been plenty of sunshine and beer for the fans and the atmosphere has been fantastic."

Dc James is now enjoying a few days off and hopes to get tickets to the Italy-America clash today.

He said: "I haven't seen any football yet, but didn't expect to. We're not here to police matches."

Oxford football fan Andy James, from Cowley, who flew out to Germany to watch England's first two matches, agrees that the World Cup atmosphere has been great.

He said: "I was on a tube from Frankfurt to the stadium and there were German fans wearing England shirts. Many neutrals are supporting us."

An Oxford United fan was fined 50 Euros. after the England-Paraguay match for throwing a beer bottle.