THE region will grind to a halt at lunchtime today as workers down tools to cheer on England in their vital World Cup game against arch rivals Argentina.

Pubs are expecting bumper crowds for the 12.30pm kick-off while many employers have made special provision for staff to watch the game at work.

Betting shops are also expecting a flood of punters - with up to £12m riding on the result - as fans hope England will end a 22-year winless run against the tournament favourites.

Fears that as many as one in five workers will take "sickies" are being played down by business leaders.

Production lines at Nissan's car plant in Washington will stop for two hours to allow staff to watch the match on three giant screens.

Part of the time will be taken from lunch breaks, part will be made up, and the remaining half hour has been granted as free time.

Mobile phone company Orange, in Darlington, has organised a programme of events, including a penalty shoot-out for charity. Staff also have the opportunity to swap shifts or watch the game at work and make time up afterwards.

Bowey Homes has supplied staff at its seven sites and head office in the region with televisions in return for a £2 donation to charity.

Steve Rankin, North-East regional director of the CBI, said: "Some companies operate flexitime, others have planned it into their schedule. This should mean 'sickies' are going to be minimal"

Linda Hoffman, head of internal services at Unison, urged people to spare a thought for those workers unable to watch the match.

"It only comes round every four years and it's good for morale to allow some flexibility. For lots of jobs it's not going to change the world if it's just a lunch break or if time can be made up later.

"We would want to encourage employers to facilitate that, wherever practical - it's much better than people ringing in with excuses to stay off work."

Youngsters will also be glued to their TV sets, including children at the Cherry Tree Nursery in Sedgefield, County Durham.

Staff there will be wearing England shirts and paying a pound to the "make a child smile" campaign.

With England fans desperate for a win, captain David Beckham quipped yesterday that he could not rule out a Diego Maradona-style "Hand of God" goal if it meant securing victory.

Japanese police have drafted in extra officers ahead of the match in Sapporo. No alcohol restrictions have been put in place around the city, but some bars have chosen to shut ahead of the game over fears of violence.