SCHOOL pupils in East Lancs hope to swap their three R's for three points when England face Nigeria in the final match of the World Cup 'Group of Death' qualifiers tomorrow.

Children at St James's Primary in Clitheroe and Queen's Park High School in Blackburn have been given permission to watch the match on screens in school.

Special arrangements have been made to allow pupils to watch the nail-biting game, which kicks off at 7.30am.

Staff at Queen's Park High School have taken the unusual step of rearranging the school day around it, with lessons now starting at 10.

Pupils will be able to arrive early in casual dress to watch the crucial match on screens in the canteen and other school sites with staff supervision.

A special breakfast will be served in the canteen, but they must change into their uniforms and start lessons once the excitement has died down.

Pupils who want to avoid the football frenzy will be able to start at the usual time and stay in the library until the match is over.

Over 90 pupils at St James's Primary School in Clitheroe have asked to attend school early to watch England walk out against Nigeria, in the match that could decide the outcome of Group F, the so-called 'Group of Death'.

A special continental breakfast has been laid on, courtesy of Clitheroe Sainsbury's, and headteacher Paul Adnitt said excitement was running high.

"Youngsters have asked to watch the match and wear their football strips. There is tremendous excitement over the game. The local Sainsbury's has donated orange juice and croissants.

"Everyone is looking forward to a great sporting event, but afterwards it's lessons as normal!"

Pupils at Bamber Bridge Methodist Primary School have also been given permission to watch the match on the premises.

Education chiefs said it was up to schools to make their own arrangements for activities outside school hours.