A Suffolk bishop says he is “hopeful, but not expectant” of an England victory.

The Rt Rev Dr Mike Harrison, Bishop of Dunwich and a keen football fan, said he had witnessed too many disappointments.

He said: “Being old enough to remember the 1970 world cup game against Brazil (0-1), the 1973 disaster against Poland (1-1, failed to qualify) and a host of other disappointments as well as the shining exception of getting to the semi-final in 1990 only to suffer the bitter agony of losing a penalty shoot-out to Germany, I am always incredibly nervous when England play.

“This will be no different but the stakes are even higher than usual and if ever England had a chance to win the World Cup in the last 50 years it is this year.

“I am hopeful, but not expectant – history has taught me that much. But we have a great bunch of players, fabulous fans and the best manager at the tournament – maybe, just maybe...”