England's girls go disco mad

For years the Brazil football team has been internationally adored, as much for the flamboyance of its fans, notably the many glamorous women who follow the team, as the skill of its players. In stark contrast England supporters have been universally unpopular, at best seen as fat, boorish slobs, at worst as out and out hooligans. Now that image is finally changing: England at last has its own version of the samba girls.

When David Beckham's team trounced Denmark 3-0 on Saturday, a large number of the 8,000 or so fans dancing in the aisles of the Niigata Stadium - to the joyous but decidedly unsamba-ish chant of Let's All Have A Disco - were female. And they were certainly not beer-bellied slobs.

Christine Burgess is a personal trainer. The 24-year-old, originally from Liverpool, lives in New York, meaning she has travelled even farther than most to support England.

"I was so excited by the idea of the World Cup in Japan and I knew I had to come," she said. "I was a bit wary about what it would be like as a woman but I've been pleasantly surprised by how nice everyone's been. I'm really glad I came."

Student Sarah Owen is a veteran England fan. "This is the third tournament I've been to. I went to Euro '96 and France '98," said the 23-year-old from Bristol, who left her boyfriend behind to come here. "I've noticed the way the crowd has changed over that time - there are more women at every game. I feel much less nervous at matches than I used to, especially here in Japan, and I'm sure it's because the crowd has become less aggressive ... less macho - less male, basically."

Sarah Mead, a 33-year-old housewife and mother from Grays in Essex, was at her first match on Saturday.

"It was brilliant. The atmosphere was unlike anything I've ever experienced - the thrill when each goal went in was unforgettable," she said.

"I've become hooked. After years of finding football boring, during this World Cup I've actually found myself tuning in for matches when I'm on my own. I'm really looking forward to the quarter final now."

Liz Amini, 26, from Forest Hill, is another recent convert. "My boyfriend Mark has dragged me along to a few Oxford United games before but I've never been a big fan until recently - but now I know most of the players and I no longer have to ask about the offside rule," she said. "We've taken six months off to combine following England with a bit of travelling. And I've met quite a few others out here who are doing the same. I think a lot of couples have decided to come together rather than have the bloke go off on his own."

The image of Gail Smith in a nurse's outfit decorated with the flag of St George flashed up on the stadium's big screen several times during the Denmark game. "I couldn't believe it when I saw my face on the screen," said Gail, 29, from Kidderminster. "I just dressed up like this for a laugh. But maybe I'll start wearing this outfit to every game."

Thousands of England fans desperate to see the quarter final this Friday flooded airline and travel agents at half-time during England's clash with Denmark to try to book flights to Japan.

A surge of calls were received after Sven-Goran Eriksson's men went 3-0 up and fans decided they wanted to cheer on the team in the middle of the action.

British Airways is expecting to fly out about 1,000 more passengers a day to the tournament amid hopes that the team can go all the way to the final.

BA marketing director Martin George said: "Phone lines and our internet site links were besieged at half-time. We are standing by for more bookings, it's very exciting. Flights are already pretty full and our phone lines are continuously jammed."

Virgin Atlantic also reported a surge of calls asking for flights, many also coming before the end of the game. The airline has two seats left on a flight going out to Tokyo on Wednesday.

Heathrow and Gatwick may put up giant screens in terminals for travelling fans so they will not miss any of the action.

The Association of British Travel Agents also noticed an increase in the number of people trying to get information on travel and soccer tickets.

A spokeswoman said: "We advise people to speak to specialised operators, go through the channels of the Football Association and Fifa, who have the official information. It is still possible to get late tickets for matches, but such has been the demand since Saturday it's going be difficult for fans. "