LUCKY rabbit's feet are being stroked, charms rubbed and four-leafed clovers jealously guarded as nervous York football fans gear up for England's do-or-die clash with Brazil.

Superstitious supporters are digging around in dusty cupboards and drawers looking for charms that could give our lionhearts a competitive edge as they prepare to face the flamboyant South Americans.

And at the vital quarter-final stage of the World Cup finals, many people are finding they are too scared to change their pre-match routines, in case they alter England's good fortune so far.

Football-mad Bike Shack owner Paul Wells, 24, has worn the same beer-stained T-shirt for every England clash so far - and hasn't washed it once. He fears a visit to the laundry might remove the shirt's special fortuitous powers and two friends have joined in with identical clothes and a similar lack of hygiene.

He said: "We've all started to smell pretty fruity now but at least we get a good spot near the TV in the pub. There's no question that the lucky shirts are having an effect - we just don't want it to wear off tomorrow."

Andrew Hymer, 22, of Fishergate, and Jonny Dawson, 19, of Walmgate, said they hope their pre-match routine will help see England to victory. The two football nuts make sure they are wearing football socks for every England match and that they kiss each other on the forehead before each kick-off.

Their ritual copies Frenchman Laurent Blanc's habit of planting a kiss on goalkeeper Fabien Barthez's bald head before each game during the 1998 World Cup, which France won.

Andrew, who supports Chelsea, said: "The system hasn't failed us yet and we will be following it closely on Friday. It's not a nice job, but somebody's got to do it."

Regular York visitors Dave McConnell and Trevor Young are armed to the teeth with lucky items which include a traditional Mauri necklace, Irish penny and "lucky" football clothing.

The two 40-year-old life-long Millwall supporters have vowed to be as far away from London during Friday's game as possible.

Trevor said: "Whenever we are within the M25, like for the Sweden and Nigeria matches, England have drawn.

"There's definitely a link between where we watch the game and England's performance, so we are heading up for Newcastle on Thursday night to be as safe as possible."

University of York student Dan Atkinson, of Thief Lane, said he and his house mates haven't dared touch a St George's flag they have hung in their lounge since the start of the tournament.

He said the flag had "special" properties and should not be disturbed.

"We don't know if it is lucky but nobody is prepared to move it and find out, even though it slightly obscures the TV," he said.

Updated: 11:42 Thursday, June 20, 2002