England Schools, Businesses Close Early For World Cup

How important is it that England advances to the next stage of the 2010 FIFA World Cup?  The Brits are so hard core they are closing schools and businesses early so that everyone can watch England play Slovenia in a crucial match that will determine whether the English team moves on in the World Cup or goes home.

Tens of thousands of football fans have booked the day or the afternoon off work so they can give their full attention to the travails of the England team, according to the Guardian newspaper.

Schools and businesses that remain open will more than likely have the game televised on special screens.

The game will be played at 3 pm local time and England should advance with a win over Slovenia, a team that is yet to lose a game.

Many local authorities are letting staff work flexibly so they can take in the game. Emergency services bosses insisted public safety will not be compromised but will try to make the football available, the Guardian insists.

Oddsmakers at Sportsbetting.com, which gladly takes bets from UK citizens, feel confident enough that England will advance and compete for a World Cup title.  They have them listed still with 9/1 odds of winning it all.

Alistair Prescott, Gambling911.com