FOR the residents of Ulverston there is a palpable sense of anticipation as England prepare for their World Cup semi final showdown against Croatia.

There are not many who would have expected the Three Lions to go as far as they have done this tournament.

But, that is not going to stop anyone enjoying the experience as it lasts.

Across the town people young and old have been getting into the spirit of the World Cup in their own different way.

There is a hope this generation of football players will inspire the stars of tomorrow, although some teams are struggling to organise practices due to England's success.

Phil Grant, Secretary of GSK Ulverston Rangers, said: "Every time we seem to have a training session there has been an England game on. By now we've only had three training sessions out of five. It's taken everybody by surprise."

He said they had planned a two day seven-a-side tournament for the weekend of the final, but decided to postpone the Sunday matches in case England did make it through to the final match.

Groups across Ulverston have been doing their part to get into the patriotic spirit. During the Ulverston Carnival on Saturday, visitors would have heard the town band playing the iconic 'Three Lions (Football's Coming Home)' as they marched through the town. By a stroke of fortune later than day England played and beat Sweden in their quarter final match.

Gill Benjamin, band secretary, said: "When we realised that the match would be on Saturday one of the band members suggested it, we did a quick simple arrangement and rehearsed it at band practice on Friday night."

She added if anyone had recorded a video of the band to please get in touch with the group.

Hannah Paling, community coordinator at Ulverston Leisure Centre, has run several events during the World Cup to drum up support for England. She is quietly confident the team will bring the cup home.

She said: "If we do win I will definitely wear my football shirt to work if it's allowed."

Even the town council of Ulverston have gotten into the spirit. They have said if England reach the final on Sunday July 15 then Hoad will be illuminated red and white in support of the team.