A MUSIC-LOVING footie fan is hoping supporters will embrace his lyrical efforts to get people singing England to victory at the World Cup.

David Smith, 41, has reworked Sir Edward Elgar's music for Land of Hope and Glory into an up-tempo and catchy ditty with new lyrics called The Flags Are Out (Hope and Glory).

He came up with the idea while watching England compete at the Commonwealth Games, where Land of Hope and Glory was played when England won gold.

Mr Smith, of Fairoak Way, Baughurst, said: "I was watching the games on TV when it suddenly struck me how rousing the song was.

"I know a lot of people aren't familiar with the words or think they hark back to an imperialistic past so I thought of some that would attract attention on the terraces.

"We needed a tune that would harness Land of Hope and Glory in a modern way. I'm pleased with the result."

Manchester United supporter Mr Smith hopes to attract enough interest in his song to get it properly recorded and released.

He believes getting English supporters united in song could make all the difference to the national side as they bid to end 40 years of hurt and repeat the World Cup victory of 1966.

Mr Smith said: "For a footballer, if they have played 90 minutes or more but the whole stadium is singing, then it is a real pick-me-up for their legs."

You can download the song by clicking here.

First published: Thursday, April 20, 2006