Vocal England fans in party mood in Frankfurt

FRANKFURT, June 10 (Reuters) Draped in red and white and bellowing ''Ingerland, Ingerland, Ingerland'', thousands of England supporters took over the city of Frankfurt today for their side's opening World Cup game against Paraguay.

The fans gathered in the city's Romerberg square, flying the English flag of St George with such slogans as ''Bolton till I die'' and ''Stoke City forever'' in reference to their club sides.

''I'm quietly confident, I think we can do it,'' shouted 20-year-old Anthony Wright over the din of other supporters.

''The atmosphere is amazing, we've been here for about seven hours and everyone is so welcoming,'' he said, with his cheeks painted red and white and a pint of beer in hand.

His friend, Stephen Cook, 32 and from London, said this was England's best chance to do well at a World Cup.

''We're very excited,'' he said. ''I think England are going to do well, we're confident, this is the best chance we've had in my lifetime and if we don't do it this time, it will take a long time till we do.'' Most fans Reuters spoke to had tickets for the game while others were planning to watch it on a giant screen in the middle of the river Maine.

Another supporter, 39-year-old Nigel from London who did not wish to give his last name, said the city was clearly well prepared for the England fans and added that he was delighted the Scots and Welsh were not at the World Cup.

''It'll be very hot and the Paraguayans will be used to the heat. But I think we could sneak a win,'' he said, to nods of approval from friends.

England take on Paraguay in their Group B game before playing Trinidad&Tobago and Sweden.

REUTERS PDS ND1706