Fans in full swing as Paris party starts

Taking their inspiration from the never-saydie spirit of Jonny Wilkinson and the boys, the English supporters, expected to number 60,000, have defied train strikes and a shortage of match tickets.

Richard Revill, 39, an investment banker from Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire, bought his final ticket from a New Zealand friend for £2,000.

He said: "I have been to most of the other games so I had to find a way to get to the final. There was no question I wasn't going to go. I don't know how I will get to the match but I'll walk if I have to."

For some the party has already started. They may not have tickets but that did nothing to dampen their spirits, and last night the strains of Swing Low Sweet Chariot were echoing around the bars of Paris.

As his friend sank a yard of ale, student Ed Sharples, 23, from Norfolk, said: "I think this is going to be the best weekend of my life because we're going to celebrate England retaining the World Cup."

At Waterloo station, as fans waited to hear if their trains to France were delayed by strikes, 18-year-old Kate Ireland from Reading said: "I have been saving up for my ticket for this match since I was eight so I'm really relieved the train hasn't been cancelled. I paid £1,300 for this match.

"I am absolutely obsessed with rugby, I eat it, live it and breathe it and I'm a referee and coach." Miss Ireland, who painted her fingernails with the St George's Cross, said she was wearing the England flag on her underwear.

Another sporting hero was also cheering on England. Lewis Hamilton, who like the rugby team could make history this weekend if he clinches the Formula One world championship, sent them a message of support, saying: "It was amazing to see the spirit of the guys in the semi-final and how they came back ... I really, really hope they win."

The Waterloo exodus began last night, when at least one fan showed that he had faith in England all along. Lee Adams, 43, from London, said: "I bought the train tickets in September but I don't think I was being too optimistic. I always thought that England would get to the final.

"It is a bit suspicious that the strike has happened just before the final but everything has gone smoothly so far so it doesn't look as if it will stop us going to France."

As he spoke, rail and underground staff in Paris voted to extend their strike - which was due to end last night - into today.

Banker Joe Hannon said: "The French rugby team went on strike in the semi-final and now the railway workers are doing the same. They wouldn't be on strike if their team was playing."

Meanwhile, there were just two people at Waterloo who were not enjoying the atmosphere. Welsh students Nathan Roberts and Lucien Copus, both 22, were employed to wear England kit and hand out leaflets promoting the band performing for fans.

Mr Roberts said: "We've both got to wear England tops and speak to English fans. We've been told we're not allowed to say anything against the English team but it's quite hard for us."