OWEN and Rooney are to wed just hours before England take on Portugal in today's big World Cup game.

The pair in question are Anabel Owen, from Southampton, and Paul Rooney, who will tie the knot in a church ceremony.

The couple who have the same surnames as England strikers Michael Owen and Wayne Rooney now face missing the quarter-final because it starts during the reception.

The aptly-named couple, who now live in London, have been teased by friends since they met two years ago but this latest coincidence has now topped all their jokes.

The bridegroom, 29, who is a technical director of a Web development company, said: "My first reaction was: "Oh gutted, I'm going to miss the England match.'"

"But then I thought: Wow, I'm getting married.' I had a reality check and realised I had to get my priorities straight.

"I've estimated that the kick-off should be right about the time I have to get up and give my speech at the reception, so everyone will get up and walk out to catch the game."

Anabel, 27, said: "I am annoyed that England are playing on the same day as my wedding. It's my big day and I'm not even a football fan.

"Some of the guests have hinted that they might come along to the service and then skulk off and watch the football before the reception."

The couple will wed at St Michael's and All Angels' church in Bassett, Southampton, at 2pm and England kick-off at 4pm.

Anabel's proud father, John Owen, is also the Rector of the Parish of North Stoneham and Bassett, but has decided not to conduct the service so he can walk his daughter up the aisle