However, the team are also being supported by tens of thousands of Japanese fans, who are especially following Beckham and Michael Owen.

They have ensured that each stadium feels like a home ground for England en route to the quarter-finals following their 3-0 second round win against Denmark on Saturday night.

And there were even an estimated couple of thousand of locals awaiting the squad when they arrived back at their hotel in the early hours following that game.

Beckham declared: ‘‘Wherever we go playing for England, the support is amazing. But to get it from the Japanese people as well has been exceptional.

‘‘I’m sure that although the England fans started off a conga during the game, there were a few Japanese people joining in on the back.

‘‘I’m sure they were wondering what was happening but it was something special, especially when we were 3-0 up.

‘‘Can it give us an extra lift? Definitely. When you’ve got so many people behind you like that, it’s a great feeling to look up into the stands and see so many English flags and England fans.’’

Eriksson has been just as impressed that so many supporters have inspired his team in each of their four games so far, with thousands of Japanese fans wearing England shirts.

‘‘Thank you to the fans, they are fantastic. The English fans, of course, but there are also a lot of Japanese,’’ said the England coach.

‘‘It’s absolutely incredible to see them all whenever we leave our hotel, whether to go to the stadia or training, I couldn’t believe that we should be so popular.

‘‘Of course we have to say thank you to David Beckham for a lot of that. There is Beckham fever in this country.

‘‘Will it give us an extra edge? I am sure about that. It’s welcome wherever we go. It’s fantastic. I couldn’t believe that the Japanese people are as enthusiastic as this. It’s a big surprise to me.’’

Defender Rio Ferdinand revealed how the England squad had been learning of the raucous celebrations taking place back at home at their progress.

‘‘I spoke to my mates back home and they say it’s mayhem on the streets and in the pubs,’’ he said.

‘‘It’d be nice to go back for an hour just to see what it’s like and join in as everyone says it’s crazy.

‘‘It’s great to have your country behind you and supporting you though. Hopefully that can spur us on to bigger and better things.’’

As for the conga line which formed up during the second half against Denmark and paraded around the upper tier behind one goal, the Leeds centre-back added: ‘‘It was mad!

‘‘One time the ball went out and I saw them all doing the conga round the stadium.

‘‘It was great to see that and all with their England shirts and face paint on. There’s no better feeling.’’