IT is usually the bride's prerogative to arrive a little late on her big day.

But football fan Leanne Hayward is guaranteed to get to the church on time because her wedding clashes with England's big World Cup match tomorrow.

Just as she makes her grand entrance, Sven's men will be kicking off against Ecuador in their clash for a place in the quarter-finals.

Together with her soccer mad new husband Jamie Swartz, Leanne will be making a mad dash to the reception after saying their vows as quickly as possible to try to catch the second half.

The Eastleigh couple set the date last October because it falls one day before the tenth anniversary of their first date. However, the romantic dream turned sour when England drew with Sweden on Tuesday which meant their next match was scheduled for tomorrow.

Sales assistant Leanne, 25, said: "When we found out we couldn't believe our luck. It is devastating really because this is something we have been waiting for, for ten years.

"We will make the best of it and if England do win on our wedding day it will be a bonus, another thing we can remember as well."

Ardent Saints fan Jamie, 28, checked the fixture list well in advance. When the purchase ledger clerk saw the match would start at 5pm, he thought it would be the perfect way to follow the wedding not realising there is a one-hour time difference between Germany and the UK.

They now fear that up to half of their 250 guests might not turn up. And they are expecting those who do to sneak sly glances at the game on mobile phones during the ceremony at All Saints Church in Desborough Road.

Even the vicar, the Rev Richard Davies has pledged not to mince his words.

"I have certainly been following England in the World Cup," he said.

"I will be sorry not to be able to see the whole of the game. I will endeavour to keep the sermon as short as possible and I hope to catch the match myself when we have finished."

The bridegroom and his best man are planning to wear England tops beneath their wedding shirts. Their guests will wear England tie pins and cufflinks.

"Leanne has also promised she won't be late so we don't over-run and miss the second half!" said Jamie.

The couple, who live in Tichborne Road with their sons Anthony, seven, and Derian, five, have delayed their reception disco at the Railway Institute in Leigh Road, so that they can watch the game first on television.