IT WAS a race against time for football fans across Hampshire as they battled to leave work for England's crucial game against Switzerland yesterday.

Pubs across the county were packed for the teatime kick-off in the Euro 2004 championship as Sven's men romped to a three-nil victory.

For workers who managed to finish early to make the 5pm start, many wished they had stayed on for overtime as the side got off to a shaky start.

When Wayne Rooney guided home a header on 23 minutes, however, it led to jubilant celebrations - and a hangover today for many who partied through the night to celebrate England's convincing victory.

In the end the side coasted to a comfortable win to set them up nicely for Monday's clash with Croatia.

At the Cork and Bottle pub in Canute Road, Southampton, fans began arriving in the late afternoon to grab the best seats.

Accommodating staff laid on huge pitchers of beer and served up a special match-day menu to keep supporters' spirits up after Sunday's last-gasp defeat against France.

But as each of England's three goals went in, most of the beer was spilled on the floor, knocked over by excited followers jumping for joy.

The pub was decked out in St George's flags and many punters painted their faces red and white for the occasion.

England shirts mingled with suits and ties as more than 150 people crammed into the venue.

Pub licensee Nicola Bic said: "It's always been a busy pub here but this has been something else for a Thursday night.

"The atmosphere has been brilliant and now everyone is really looking forward to Monday's match and hopefully beyond.

"Everyone was in really good spirits."