WORCESTER is preparing for World Cup fever to strike as England face Argentina in tomorrow's Group of Death match.

Scores of bars are planning for fans to kick off their lunchtimes with a pint or two as they screen England's vital second game.

And many employers are allowing workers an long lunch break to see it.

The match kicks off in Sapporo, Japan, at 12.30pm and landlords are expecting fans to drink for England while cheering on the team.

"We're one of the busiest sports venues in Worcester and it's going to be packed," said Ray Brierley, manager at The Exchange in Worcester's Cornmarket. "We were full on Sunday and we're expecting the same tomorrow. We were very busy for the Ireland-Germany match.

"The beer goes everywhere when England score. It was all across the ceiling when they scored against Sweden. I think it will be 2-1 to England."

RSVP, in The Cross, Worcester, is expecting replays of Sunday when crowds of fans packed the bar within minutes of opening.

"We had 180 people queuing outside before we opened and we were full within three minutes," said Ken Talbot, the bar manager.

"We did a special breakfast menu for that game and tomorrow we'll be doing special lunchtime dishes."

Wyvern FM are on the teamsheet at RSVP - broadcasting from inside.

"The atmosphere for the Sweden match was fantastic. People don't know how good this game will be. It all depends on employers letting people out for lunch. I hope it'll be 2-0 to England, but 1-0 will do - as long as we win."

Staff at Worcestershire County Council have been given up to two hours off to watch the game, which they must make up.

Thousands of workers across the county will watch the game after firms, including Royal Worcester Porcelain and Morgan Motor Company, shut their doors for the week.

But employees at CarnaudMetalBox will not be able to watch the match.

"We're a production environment so we can't watch it, unfortunately," said a spokeswoman. "We don't have TV licences, but we've let as many people as possible have the day off."

A special World Cup edition of the Evening News, with match reports and reaction from the England-Argentina showdown, will be available in selected outlets in Worcester and Malvern late tomorrow afternoon.