Yesterday saw the arrival of the WAGs in Cape Town to cheer up the now some what downhearted England players.

As the girls arrived, England said they would allow the players a day off in Cape Town tomorrow to make the most of having the partners around.

Full back Glen Johnson’s wife Laura was among the WAGs racing to be with their HABs – husbands and boyfriends.

She checked into the ultra-posh £400-a-night Pepper Club Hotel last night, accompanied by Peter Crouch’s sister Sarah, 23, and his parents Bruce and Jayne.

Crouch’s model girlfriend Abbey Clancy, 24, is expected to join them this morning for this evening’s game against Algeria.

An England camp insider said: “It is one of the best hotels in Cape Town, it really is a fantastic place.

“There is going to be a group of WAGs and England players’ family and friends staying there this weekend.
“Fabio Capello has given the team the day off on Saturday, so they are going to make the most of Cape Town.

“They will not be returning to the training camp until late on Saturday night.”

Chantelle Tagoe, 27, fiancée of Emile Heskey, 32, will be at the game with his mum and dad and their two children Jaden, four, and Reigan, two.

Ellie Darby, 28, girlfriend of Matthew Upson, 31, and mum of his baby son Elijah, is also making the trip.

And the WAG numbers will be further boosted in the coming week with the arrival of 28-year-old Joe Cole’s wife Carly Zucker, 26, Michael Carrick’s missus Lisa, 28, and up to eight of defender Jamie Carragher’s family.

Jamie, 32, said: “I am not sure when they are arriving. I don’t think my dad is coming out until the quarter-final stage but we will see.”

Later in the tournament, Victoria, 36, is expected to join David Beckham, 35, in Cape Town, along with Alex Curran, 27, the wife of Steven Gerrard, 30, and 24-year-old Wayne Rooney’s missus Coleen, 24. John Terry’s mum Sue will fly out, although his wife Toni Poole, 28, will stay at home.

Yesterday we told how England players begged boss Capello, 64, to let them see their WAGs.