EARLY-morning beer and soccer will be on the breakfast menu for thousands of Bolton World Cup fans this summer.

More than six pubs have already been granted permission to open early to screen England matches from the Far East.

Because of the time difference in Japan and Korea, fans will watch the opening match on TV against Sweden on Sunday, June 2, at 10.30am.

The Lostock Arms is one of the first pubs in Bolton to be granted an early licence to televise the competition in Japan.

Regulars will now be able to enjoy beer, tea, coffee and a fry-up as they watch the games.

Licensee Dave Shaw said: "This will be my fourth World Cup at this pub and we always make a being event of it with a marquee and lots of big screens -- but it is normally about 3pm in the afternoon.

"Without an early licence, this year's competition would have been a let-down."

A further six pubs have already been successful in obtaining permission to open early and the magistrates court has been inundated with applications.

The licence is being granted only for two group games, which start before normal opening time, but if England win through to the next round, it will automatically be extended.

The Lostock Arms will open its doors at 10am on Sunday, June 2 for the England v Sweden match and 7am on Wednesday, June 12 for the clash with Nigeria. In between, England play Argentina on Friday, June 7 but that kicks off at lunchtime.

To qualify for the extension, landlords have to comply with strict criteria set down by Greater Manchester Police.

The pubs must have a history of sport-orientated events, have a pull-down screen, be a Sky subscriber, have a clean public disorder record and offer a breakfast menu for the customers. Ultimately, the final decision is down to the discretion of the magistrates.

Mr Shaw said: "As it is, it is not an ideal situation and 7am is not the best time to be screaming and shouting at your team.

"As long as England keep winning, the games in the later stages are at lunchtime which is better.

"It is a special occasion and we wish England all the best."

PC Greg Pickles, Bolton's licensing officer, said: "We are not anticipating any problems during the games but if there are any, we are sufficiently equipped to deal with them quickly.

"I hope people enjoy the occasion in the proper spirit -- and respect those who can't get the day off work!"

Pubs can also apply for a two-hour extension during the opening and closing ceremonies at this summer's Commonwealth Games on Thursday, July 25 and Sunday, August 4. For more information about the applications call PC Pickles on 0161 856 5508.