World Cup fever was sweeping Shropshire today as thousands of fans were poised to cheer England to victory.

More than 20 million people were expected to tune in tonight as Fabio Capello’s team begin their bid to carry home the ultimate football trophy.

Supermarkets across the county were bracing themselves for their busiest day since Christmas, while pubs, bars and clubs were expected to be packed with fans glued to TV sets to watch the nation take on USA in their opening Group C match.

The big kick-off is at 7.30pm in the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg – which means Place of Rest – 105 miles north of Johannesburg, where England fans will have the lion’s share of the 38,646 capacity ground to roar on the team.

Prime Minister David Cameron has offered his own support, summing up his feelings in a video message in three words which are normally heard in song: “Come on England”.

The England Supporters’ Band, which has not missed a game home or away since 1996, will lead the singing, with the theme from the A-Team a new edition to their repertoire.

Pubs across the region were turning red and white today and bracing themselves for the biggest night of the year with screenings of the big match set to guarantee packed houses.

Shoppers flocked to stores to stock up on essentials, with everything from beer to England bikinis flying off the shelves.

With many football fans expected to watch World Cup games at home and with good weather forecast in Shropshire, retailers experienced a vast increase in sales of beer, pizza and barbecue items.

And the rush was expected to intensify in the hours before England take to the field tonight against USA.

Paul Delves, managing director of Harry Tuffins, which has stores in Ludlow, Craven Arms, Bishop’s Castle and Cleobury Mortimer, said: “We are expecting to sell a lot of beer and barbecue food during the day, including chicken steaks and baps.”

Craig Davies, manager of Sainsbury’s in Meole Brace, Shrewsbury, said: “The company sees this as one of our busiest trading opportunities outside Christmas and Easter.

“Customers are going to be throwing it at us and we are ready for it.”

Meanwhile, the National Grid was bracing itself for record-breaking power surges.

The electricity network firm said it could see a 3,000 megawatt increase – equivalent to 1.2 million kettles being turned on at once – if the national team make it through to the final.