THE World Cup bandwagon rolled into the North-East yesterday as England's conquering heroes from Munich prepared for their next encounter.

Last night, the players were with their families, reflecting on their sensational 5-1 win over Germany, at the exclusive Slaley Hall Hotel near the County Durham-Northumberland border.

They flew into Newcastle Airport only hours after their historic triumph to prepare for Wednesday night's crucial match with Albania at St James' Park. England need to win that game, plus the one against Greece next month, to guarantee a place in next year's World Cup Finals in Japan and South Korea.

Wednesday's match is almost certain to be a 52,000 sell-out. About 10,000 tickets were sold yesterday and the remaining 5,000 are expected to be snapped up today as the euphoria following England's first win in Germany since 1965 continues to grip the region and the nation.

FA spokesman Paul Newman said the coming days would be crucial as the England team are desperate to build on their victory over Germany.

He said the players were looking forward to playing in Newcastle. "Everyone knows how football-mad this part of the world is."

Hat-trick hero Michael Owen said: "We have had a fantastic reception since we got back into this country - it's been amazing."

Some of the players, including skipper David Beckham, went on a shopping trip to the Gateshead MetroCentre yesterday afternoon, and took time to sign autographs for fans.

But it will be back to work today for the squad in preparation for the Albania game, the first international to be held at St James' Park for 63 years.

Ahead of the game, England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson intends to use the privacy of the Slaley Hall Hotel's own football field for training.

Saturday's stunning win was watched 15 million people on TV, the BBC's highest Saturday peak-time audience share for five years.

A similar audience is expected on Wednesday night when the match will be screened live from Newcastle.

Bookmakers have slashed the odds on England winning the World Cup from 16-1 to 9-1 after the stunning victory.

William Hill make England 1-10 to qualify for the 2002 finals by winning their group, and 1-12 to beat Albania.

There was no serious violence in Munich, but six England fans remain in custody.

German authorities are considering whether to take further action against them.

* Tickets are available from St James' Park on 0191-261 1571 or the England ticket hotline on 0870 902 0005. Tickets for the under-21 game at Middlesbrough FC's BT Cellnet stadium tomorrow night are still available, priced £5 (concessions £1) by calling (01642) 877745.