But it wasn't long before the lows came along, too

IT was the moment every English football fan had been waiting for.

David Beckham floated the ball into the penalty box, Sol Campbell nodded it into the net -- and back home in Bolton thousands of supporters jumped for joy.

Many of them were watching from the comfort of their favourite pubs which had opened up specially for the occasion.

England's World Cup campaign in Japan had begun in style with a goal against Sweden just before 11am yesterday.

The atmosphere was electric at the Lostock Arms, in Bolton, where regulars wearing red and white shirts were enjoying a carnival atmosphere.

Dozens of them had packed inside the pub, which had been covered with flags and bunting, and even more were watching the game in a marquee in the beer garden.

And even though Sweden eventually equalised and the game ended in a disappointing 1-1 draw, everyone agreed it had been a great occasion.

Landlord Dave Shaw had installed four giant screens and seven television sets -- and had even brought one down from his living room so everyone could see.

The fans tucked into more than 100 breakfasts before the game began and kitchen staff at the Lostock Junction Lane pub showed true Dunkirk spirit to get the food ready in time for the 10.30am kick off.

"I'm very impressed with how England are playing," Lostock Arms regular Zak Barlow, aged 27, said as half time approached. "They are giving 100 per cent, but they have got to go to the end."

The mood was still upbeat when the second half began and the Swedish goal did not really dampen the atmosphere.

"It was well worth getting up early to watch the game," said 25-year-old Joanne Carr after the final whistle. "We all had a good time, the breakfast was great and the result was better than I expected." Now the pub's regulars and thousands of other Boltonians are getting ready for Friday's big match against Argentina.

Lostock Arms landlord Dave said despite the disappointing result and display it had been a day to remember: "It's been a great atmosphere in the pub today and we hope it will be even better on Friday."

The final score...

Lostock Arms regulars tucked into more than 100 breakfasts during England's match against Sweden. Between them they managed to eat:

100 sausages

96 hash browns

78 eggs

60 barm cakes

9 barrels of beer

6 loaves

4 giant packs of bacon

3 long black puddings