World Cup fever sweeps Bolton schools ahead of England’s semi-final

Children have proudly been sing football anthems, and backed England before one of the team’s biggest matches in decades.

Schools across Bolton have been celebrating the Three Lions’ run to the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-finals with special events ahead of tonight’s clash against Argentina.

Turton and Edgworth CofE Methodist Primary School transformed its annual summer fair into a World Cup-themed celebration on Friday, while St Mary’s RC Primary School Horwich decorated its school in red and white as pupils and staff came together before today’s match.

Headteacher Craig Wheatley said: “Small in number but absolutely mighty in strength, the events they put on give the children such fantastic memories, supported by our incredible staff and PE who deliver high quality sports coaching here at Edgworth.

The World Cup celebration at Turton and Edgworth (Image: Steve Grime)

“Making this annual event World Cup themed was a brilliant idea by the PTFA.”

The fair brought together families, pupils, and staff, with activities celebrating both the school’s community and England’s progress through the tournament.

Parents joined in the festivities as the school looked ahead to tonight’s semi-final, with children showing their support for the national team throughout the day.

One parent said: “It was wonderful to see the school community come together for such a great World Cup PTFA event.

Children from Turton and Edgworth got together. (Image: Steve Grime)

“The sun was shining and there was something for everyone to enjoy, and of course it’s great to get behind our England Lions as they go from strength to strength.”

Mr Wheatley added: “And finally, last but not least, let’s shout out to our amazing children who are absolutely roaring their support for the England team as they approach the semi-finals against Argentina.”

St Mary’s R.C. (Image: ST. Mary’s R.C. Primary School)

One pupil said: “The football event was really fun. So let’s see our team go through to the finals.

“Come on England. You can do it.”

At St Mary’s RC Primary, children arrived to England songs as staff and pupils wore red and white to mark the occasion ahead of the evening’s match.

Headteacher Dominique Hayes said: “At St Mary’s, we’re proud to be making St Mary’s memories.

“Our school is awash with red and white as children and staff came together to support England ahead of tonight’s match.

The celebration was alive at St Mary’s (Image: ST. Mary’s R.C. Primary School)

“With England songs playing as everyone arrived this morning, there was a real sense of excitement, community, and national pride.

“We wish the team the very best of luck.”

England face Argentina in the FIFA World Cup semi-final tonight, July 15, knowing victory would secure the country’s first World Cup final since 1966.