PUBS are gearing up for England's crucial final World Cup group game tomorrow - but it would not necessarily be bad for business if Fabio Capello's side crashes out.

England face Slovenia at 3pm tomorrow and desperately need three points to qualify out of Group C and into the knock-out stage of the World Cup following Friday's lacklustre draw with Algeria.

But while landlords say their pubs have been packed and want the Three Lions to progress - they do not think Rooney and co heading home on the first plane from South Africa on Thursday would have a detrimental affect on trade.

General manager of High Wycombe bar Yates's Stewart Stebbings said: “We have been very busy and the atmosphere has been great for the England matches.

“But our budgets are set for the year, so while the games have been a little bit of a boost, we are running as normal.

O'Neils manager Claire Roberts said: “The atmosphere has been great and we have had interest for a lot of the other games.

“But we've only seen a little bit of a boost from the World Cup and England matches. It would be great if they get through but the growth hasn't been significant.

Owner of The Swan pub in Beaconsfield, Laurie Othen, said his pub had also been full of hopeful England followers but the 'usual weekend crowd' had stayed away.

He said: “From my experience and from speaking to other operators, the England games have actually had a negative impact because they've been on Friday and Saturday nights.

“We have been busy but the usual crowd hasn't come out. Whether that's due to the team's performances putting a downer on everyone.

"Or maybe non-football watchers don't want to be in a pub full of football fans – I don't know.

“But while I obviously hope they progress, from a business prospective, England crashing out might be a good thing – but obviously we don't want that.”

The King George V pub in London Road, High Wycombe, and Wooburn Green's Red Lion also reported that an England exit would not hit trade.