Fans sensing Cup glory praise ‘Pinocchio’ Gareth

ENGLAND have the “chance of a lifetime” to reach the World Cup final, excited fans claimed yesterday.

After losing 1-0 to Belgium with a second string line-up, second place in their group means they face Colombia on Tuesday.

Sweden or Switzerland will follow in the quarter-finals before a potential semi-final with 2010 champions Spain or in-form Croatia.

Runners-up spot means they have avoided Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay. Though Colombia are a tough test for Gareth Southgate’s young team, hilarious posts on social

media show the England boss as Pinocchio, mocking his public claims he really wanted to top Group G.

Former cricketer Michael Vaughan Tweeted: “Brazil, Portugal, Uruguay, France, Belgium, Argentina all avoided .... You will do for me Gareth.”

Gary Craft, 58, of Bloxham, Oxon, said: “We have missed some very good sides, some of the most dangerous teams. This is the first time I have been optimistic in a very long time.”

England are now joint-third favourites with Belgium to win the World Cup. Bookies William Hill have cut odds to 7/1 – despite Thursday’s defeat.