FOOTBALL-LOVING Louis Moffatt will be leading David Beckham by the hand as England take to the pitch in the World Cup this summer.

The youngster has been picked to be England's mascot for one of their first round group matches.

Louis, from Gateshead, beat off competition from 50,000 others to lead out his heroes.

He has even been receiving tips from 1966 World Cup winner and England legend, Sir Geoff Hurst, director of football for McDonalds, who organised the competition.

Newcastle United fan Louis said: "I'm so excited about meeting all the players and my friends are all really jealous.

"Geoff is a nice man, he scored a hat-trick in the World Cup. I am looking forward to the match and meeting Steven Gerrard.

"I think England are going to win the World Cup."

Sir Geoff said: "When you're a player, it's a fantastic experience, but for a child of the age group we are asking to go out there, between six and ten-years-old, it's a dream come true."

Louis has not been told which game he will feature in, with England due to play Sweden, Paraguay and Trinidad and Tobago.

He will be accompanied by his father, Simon, while mother Denise and 17-year-old brother Harrison watch at home.

Mr Moffatt said: "I am possibly more excited than he is. I was at the 1990 World Cup, but that's the only time I have been.

"I had a ticket for the England versus West Germany semi-final, but his mum said I couldn't go, so this makes up for it."