THE average Scottish football fan will tell you England have little chance of reaching the knock-out stages of this summer's World Cup.

But now it appears the UK Government does not expect Roy Hodgson's team to be doing a samba in Brazil past the initial group qualification stages.

Labour's Lord Rosser highlighted to the Lords the comments made in an explanatory memorandum drawn up by the Home Office on the relaxation of licensing laws during some England matches at the tournament.

He said the impact assessment stated "that while England are certain to be playing in the matches in the first period, there is a high probability that they will not be playing in the later matches".

To laughter in a short debate on the Licensing Order, Lord Rosser added: "So it's good to know what the Government thinks of England's prospects."

Home Office minister Lord Taylor of Holbeach said the comments in the paper were "a matter of opinion".

He added: "I'm sure other peers will have different views."

The Order was approved without a vote on the day England manager Roy Hodgson named his squad for the tournament.