ENGLAND smashed their way into the final of tonight's Commonwealth Games' team badminton event .

A sell-out crowd is expected at the Bolton Arena for what will be a high decibel as well as high quality competition when England take on Singapore for gold.

England needed only 80 minutes yesterday to see off the challenge of Scotland.

World No.19 Tracey Hallam beat Scots teenager Susan Hughes in just under half an hour in the opening women's singles. But the game turned on two debateable line calls, and the Scots' girl felt she suffered because she played an English opponent.

Manchester player Colin Haughton -- coached over the years locally by Bolton's Brian Roper -- managed to dispose of Graham Simpson in the men's singles. But he is unhappy with his current form and conceded a game.

There were no such problems for Olympic bronze medallist Jo Goode and speedy Gail Emms. They teamed up to beat Yuan Wemyss and Sandra Watt 7-4, 7-2, 7-5 to wrap up the tie.

In the second semi final last night, Singapore got the better of New Zealand thanks to a pair of wins from the talented Ronald Susilo.

He will be the main threat tonight. And, although England remain favourites to win, they know that they will have their work cut out.

As Tracey Hallam comented: "We all know we did the hard work against Malaysia (in the quarter-finals) but the job is not done yet."

What is certain is that the home crowd will lift the English players as they have done throughout. And that crowd could well be swelled by at least one VIP -- Prince Edward has twice visited the Arena, each time as Scotland were on the victory trail.

Yesterday, he was accompanied by his wife Sophie to witness the England/Scotland clash.

Now that the blue and whites are out, badminton fans will be hoping that the sporting prince will take up the English cause and support what will undoutedly be a sea of red and white fervour this evening.

By Angela Kelly

at Bolton Arena