Former England manager Bobby Robson - one of the most respected figures in British football - was keeping quiet last night after being tipped for a knighthood in the Queen's Birthday Honours this weekend.

The veteran Newcastle United boss declined to comment on claims he will be awarded the country's highest honour for his years of dedication to the sport.

If confirmed, the announcement will top a fantastic week for English football fans, which saw the national side through to the knockout phase of the World Cup, and old foes Argentina sent home.

The region ground to a halt yesterday morning as thousands watched Sven Goran Eriksson's men join Ireland in the knockout stage after holding Nigeria to a 0-0 draw.

Pupils were allowed to watch the nail-biting encounter as headteachers put lessons on hold until the final kick of the ball at 9.30am.

Emergency services reported a big drop in 999 calls during the game.

England finished runners-up in Group F, known as "the group of death". They will play France's conquerors Denmark, kicking off at 12.30pm in Niigata, Japan, on Saturday.

At Prime Minister's Question Time, Tony Blair wore his new Eriksson-style frameless spectacles at the dispatch box for the first time as he praised the team's achievement.

Mr Blair, who watched the game at Number 10, told the Commons: "This morning, I suspect in common with millions of others, I did indeed watch the England match.

"I'm sure the whole House would wish to send our congratulations to the English team on reaching the next stage of the finals."

The Prime Minister, who is a Newcastle United supporter, will no doubt be delighted if Bobby Robson receives a knighthood in the honours.

A fans' website claims to have inside knowledge that 69-year-old Mr Robson will get the award in the honours, to be announced on Saturday.

Mr Robson has managed the Magpies since September 1999, leading the club to fourth place in the Premiership last season and a place in the next Champions League campaign.

His glittering managerial career has included a spell in charge of England, spurring the side to the 1990 World Cup semi-finals, the national side's best performance since winning the competition in 1966.

Kev Fletcher, of Spennymoor, County Durham, edits the talkofthetyne.com website, and believes the tip is spot on.

"I would rather not say where this has come from, but it is going to happen this weekend," he said.

The website has been at the vanguard of a fans' campaign for the honour to be bestowed on the popular manager, who has transformed black and white fortunes since the dismal days of Ruud Gullit.

A club spokesman said: "We can't comment on whether or not it will happen. That's out of our hands, but if it does, I'm sure everyone at the club will be absolutely delighted."

Mr Robson, the son of a miner, was born at Sacriston, near Durham City, and brought up a few miles away at Langley Park.

Mike Ackroyd, of Esh Parish Council, which covers Langley Park, said the manager was still popular in the area.

"A few years ago he came and switched on our Christmas lights. He stayed a long time and signed autographs - he made sure everyone got an autograph."

A spokeswoman for the Prime Minister said: "We can't confirm anything on the honours list - anything you have heard is pure speculation.

"The PM's views on Bobby Robson are very well known. As for any announcement about the honours, they will be published in the usual way."

Doug Henderson, MP for North Newcastle and chairman of the Northern Group of Labour MPs said: "If the rumours are true then the award will be totally merited and long overdue.

"Bobby Robson has made a great contribution to English football. He is a wonderful role model for young people, and a great ambassador for this country abroad."

No one could be contacted in the Palace office that handles the honours list.

* Two London road sweepers were suspended yesterday after allegedly taking time off work to watch the England game in a pub

Bobby Robson factfile

Born: Sacriston, County Durham, but brought up in nearby Langley Park.

Playing career: Langley Park Juniors to 1950; Fulham 1950-56 and 1962-67; West Bromwich Albion 1956-62. Won 20 England Caps, scored four goals.

Managerial career: Vancouver Whitecaps 1967-68; Fulham 1968; Ipswich Town 1969-82 (won 1978 FA Cup and 1981 UEFA Cup); England 1982-90 ( reached 1990 World Cup semi-finals); PSV Eindhoven 1991-94 (Dutch League Champions 1991 and 1992); Sportin Lisbon 1992-93; FC Porto 1994-96 (Portugese Cup winners 1994, league champions 1995 and 1996); Barcelona 1996; Barcelona general manager 1997-98 (European Cup winners 1997); Coach PSV Eindhoven second team 1998; Newcastle United, 1999 to present (fourth in Premiership 2001-02, place in Champions League in forth-coming 2002-03 season).

Honours: CBE, January 1991.

Famous quote: "I'm off down the Quayside to celebrate with Dyer and Bellamy", after Newcastle's 1-0 win at Sunderland in February, the club's first victory in five years over their bitter rivals.

Other soccer 'Sirs': Alf Ramsey, Matt Busby, Jock Stein, Alex Ferguson, Geoff Hurst, Bobby Charlton.