THE St George's flag is being flown with pride across the Faithful City as patriotic householders leave no doubts to where their allegiance lies tomorrow.

Samba rhythms and a party atmosphere are the promises from families in Holly Mount Road in Tolladine, whose houses are among the most colourfully decorated in the city.

With red and white bunting draped along the roof and three lions showing in every window, Mo and Pete Coombes are gearing up for a massive celebration.

Soccer-mad neighbours Sam and Phil Stoddart are also showing their true colours with a range of flags, including one at full mast in the front garden.

"Whoever wins this match will win the cup, no doubt about it," said Mrs Stoddart.

Drinks in

"We've had the houses decorated since the very first match, we will be getting the drinks in and having the party music turned up full blast."

The mother-of-three's artistic skills have been put to good use by children all along the street, who have all previously being painted out in patriotic colours. It has been so popular she has run out of white face paint.

Mrs Stoddart said her soccer-mad husband was so eager to catch every minute of every match he asked customers, to whom he was delivering, if he could stop to watch England versus Nigeria in their house.

"He'd just delivered a three-piece suite to a couple. He asked if he could catch the second half and they seemed more than happy to let him."

If England does reach the final, neighbour Pete Coombes has promised the beer will be flowing with a massive garden party during the match - the TV set outside - naturally.

All the decorations have left no one in any doubt - an Englishman's home is definitely his castle.