FAMILIES from across Chiseldon gathered at a World Cup party to watch England take on an in-form Belgium.

Despite knowing the team had already progressed to the knockout stages, guests barked out orders for their countrymen in a packed out living room.

England lost 1-0 and will now face the less fancied Colombia in the knockout round.

Host Sharon Newton said: “We get together for all the big games. I think we’re going to be in the final.”

Jane Cole, teaching assistant: “We’re obviously going to get to the semi-final.”

Sam Smith, family therapist, said: “I love how football brings communities together. We have been having these parties since our kids were little and now they are drinking beer with us.”

Bill Stretton, financial advisor, said: “I don’t know if you’ve heard but football is coming home!”

Don Mitchell, retired pilot, added: “I think our chances have improved dramatically as this team continues to bond. This team are in with a chance, but like all English people I’m not going to push my luck on that one.”

Mitchell Coombes, football development officer of STFC in the Community: “They’re playing it safe, it’s hard to say one wants to go through and not the other.”

When asked for his top player, he said: “It’s got to be Harry Kane at the moment, he’s got five goals in two games and he’s had the biggest impact of any England player over the past couple of years.”

The village will reunite for the Colombia match on July 3.