FOR the football loving population of England, the next week cannot pass quickly enough. At the end of it stands the hope of the World Cup success.

But for those who cannot stand the beautiful game, once the competition begins they enter a world of purgatory, a world of Des Lynham or Alan Hansen looming on TV screens for early morning kick-offs, of endless replays, of football chatter throughout the land.

Experts even fear that, for some couples, the pressures of the tournament might be the final straw in a troubled relationship.

They fear soccer widows will be abandoned by partners pouring into pubs at dawn to watch England's battle to win the tournament.

But there is hope, according to the Solicitors Family Law Association.

It, like every England fan, is praying that David Beckham's broken foot heals in time for him to captain his country.

According to Pershore-based solicitor Penny Raby, the SFLA hopes that his undoubted appeal to women will lead them to watch the games.

Where couples have shared interests, they have a better chance of building a strong partnership and, as she says, if Beckham helps achieve that, he'll be even more of a hero.

n The joy of sport is set to benefit Worcester in an even more direct way in the future.

The city council has revealed that facilities are set to benefit from an investment of almost £3m, something which will help improve the quality of life beyond measure.

Now, if England can only win the World Cup...