ENGLAND manager Sven Goran Eriksson admitted last night that his team faced a "very difficult" task after their World Cup campaign kicked off with a disappointing 1-1 draw with Sweden.

The players are now under massive pressure to raise their game for their next two matches, against Argentina and Nigeria, if they are to progress to the second round.

It had all started so well for England's well-behaved fans at the Saitama Stadium outside Tokyo, with the team taking the lead in the 24th minute.

Defender Sol Campbell headed a David Beckham corner into the back of the Swedish net, leading to scenes of jubilation both at home and in Japan.

But the Swedes fought back and Niclas Alexandersson made it 1-1 just after the break following an error by Danny Mills.

Eriksson said it was "very important" to win the next two games.

England fans in Saitama were disappointed only to draw after having taken the lead - but also relieved to survive the second-half Swedish onslaught.

But the friendly atmosphere which had prevailed in Saitama city for the last two days continued last night, with the British embassy and the Japanese police saying there had been no incidents or arrests.

Fans of both teams flocked to the clash, the English with their faces painted red and white and the Swedes daubed blue and yellow.

Back in the North-East, pubs were packed with fans taking advantage of the fact pubs were open before midday on a Sunday for the first time since the First World War.

In Newcastle's Times Square, a massive outdoor screen relayed the action to hundreds of fans in the street.

Meanwhile, bookmakers were last night offering almost even money that England would be out of the World Cup at the first hurdle.

Sven's men are being quoted by William Hill at 11/10 to be flying home from the tournament immediately after playing their three group matches. They are 4/6 to make it through to the next stage, while their odds to lift the trophy have lengthened from a pre-match 9/1 to 12/1.

England are now 11/5 to beat Argentina and even money favourites for their match against Nigeria.