Beckham and the boys have received another boost after their 1-0 victory in their first World Cup game - with rousing comments from some of Britain's top soap stars.

Cast members from Coronation Street, Emmerdale and EastEnders joined in the celebrations after England's win over Paraguay, as well as wishing the team good luck for the rest of the competition.

Here's what they had to tell Digital Spy:

Flying the flag for the lads are Corrie's (L-R)
Back: Vicky Entwistle, Jane Danson, Sally Whittaker.
Front: Ian Reddington, Zaraah Abrahams,
Anthony Cotton

Andy Whyment (Kirk Sutherland, Coronation Street): "It was a fantastic afternoon, fully expected the win, we have got a great squad and I really believe we have got what it takes now to go all the way."

James Hooton (Sam Dingle, Emmerdale): “Good luck lads! We’ve got one of the most exciting England sides in years and the whole country is praying they can bring the trophy home. Crouch for the Golden Boot!”

Ricky Groves (Garry Hobbs, EastEnders): "Well I suppose I think we’ve all got our fingers crossed really. I’d like to see England do well. you’ve got some great teams going against, you know there’s some great games, the Trinidad & Tobago and England game is going to be fantastic.The whole thing, the World Cup is fantastic, I really enjoy watching it."

Come on England - EastEnders' Louisa Lytton

Steven Arnold (Ashley Peacock, Coronation Street): "I really wanted to get across to Germany but I’m too busy at work, after this win I want to go even more. I believe we have got the right ingredients this time. Brazil have never won in Europe and our guys are used to the climate. Keep up the great work."

Charlie Clements (Bradley Branning, EastEnders): "I think we stand a good chance in the competition. We’re the best now we’ve ever been."

Ryan Thomas (Jason Grimshaw, Coronation Street): "What a way to spend Saturday afternoon – we are all behind you lads and believe you have got what it takes to bring the cup home."

A winning smile from Emmerdale's
Roxanne Pallett

Phil Daniels (Kevin Wicks, EastEnders): "I will be supporting England fanatically. I was lucky to get tickets for the England v Paraguay game so I don’t mind sitting and watching the other games on telly!"

Craig Charles – (Lloyd Mullaney, Coronation Street): "My most memorable England moment was when we though Sol Campbell had scored the winning goal against Portugal two years ago which was then disqualified. My mate jumped up and down celebrating and managed to break my jaw! Escaped any injuries this time but it was a great win – keep it up lads."

Mark Charnock (Marlon Dingle, Emmerdale): “England should have no problems progressing in this tournament. The squad is full of talent and I’m sure their performances this summer will give the fans something to shout about.”

Thumbs up from Corrie's Bill Roache and
Bradley Walsh

Samia Smith (Maria Sutherland, Coronation Street): "We watched the match at a BBQ – sunshine, beers and England winning what could be better!"

Alan Halsall (Tyrone Dobbs, Coronation Street) "I was in Japan for the last world cup – this time I watched the opening match with all my mates and had a BBQ afterwards to celebrate and it was a fantastic start to what I think will be a great campaign – just don’t play Rooney too early and end up with the situation with had with Beckham last time."