A BOURNEMOUTH pub is flying the German and English flags ahead of today’s big game.

The Pig and Whistle on Queen’s Road has had the two flags, plus the Scottish Saltire, displayed outside since the start of the world cup two weeks ago.

Owner Mick Callaghan, 50, said “people have only noticed it now because it has an added significance.

“We’re a close knit group here” said Mick, talking of the staff members of the offices above the pub who include a German and a Scot. “It’s just a bit of friendly banter. It doesn’t matter anyway because England are going to win!”

German business director Alexander Meinardus, 41, from Bavaria, works closely with Callaghan and encouraged him to display the German flag.

“It will be the game of the century,” he said “I will probably take [the flag] down and support England if we lose.” he added.

Ian Crockard, a Glaswegian, said he’s supporting the whole European community, “I thought I’d stick it out there. Football is the winner here.”

It is not just the Pig and Whistle staff supporting the rival nation. Germans in the town centre are also gearing up for the match.

Au pair, Nele Muller, 20 from Hamburg said: “England will be really motivated to beat Germany. I hope that we can watch it in a public place without hooligans.”

Dorthe Herbertz, 20, from Cologne, also an au pair agrees “It will be a tough game.

“I hope it is a better referee than in our last game. I hope we have Klose back, we need him.”

• Michael Callaghan’s prediction: “It’ll be 1-1 but England will win on penalties.”

• Alexander Meinardus’s prediction: “I’d love to see 5-1 to Germany but I think we will win 3-1.”

• Alex’s top German players to watch: Miroslav Klose (Germany’s Rooney), Mesut Ozil; Lukas Podolski; Thomas Mueller.