Vicar offers counselling for fans

The vicar and flock will offer counselling if England lose

England football fans are being offered counselling if the unthinkable happens and their team loses to Paraguay.

A Blackpool vicar and his parishioners will offer the support after Saturday's clash as part of a week-long mission.

The Rev George Fisher, Vicar of St Thomas, and his flock decided their skills might be needed if the fans' World Cup optimism becomes deflated.

England's first game will be shown on a big screen at the church following a week of fun events.

'Best shot'

"I'm sure the England boys will give it their best shot," said Rev Fisher.

But he added: "We just thought that we could provide some much needed support for the community if the lads fail to meet our lofty expectations."

For his part the vicar said he was expecting David Beckham and team to kick off with a victory.

He said: "This is a great week of fun and laughter - no tears because we know England will win - and we're sharing God's love in lots of different ways with as many people as we can in the community."