Dozens of South African children screamed in delight as they watched the England World Cup team play a practice match against local team Platinum Stars in Moruleng, just five days before their opening Group C match against the United States.

Then the youngsters from the Laureus-supported ‘Sport for All' project in the Katlehong township in Gauteng and the ‘My Home' project in Rustenburg, had the chance to meet England coach Fabio Capello and members of the England World Cup squad.

The children from both projects had been brought to the Moruleng Stadium for this very special day out by Olympic track and field legend Edwin Moses, the Chairman of the Laureus World Sport Academy, and they watched enthralled as England beat Platinum Stars 3-0 with goals from Jermain Defoe, Joe Cole and Wayne Rooney.

England head coach Fabio Capello said: "It was fantastic to share the day with the the Laureus kids. It's important for the children to know the value of life and the importance of mind and body."

And David Beckham, who is acting as player liaison for Fabio Capello, said: "Children are important. They are our future. I'm sure they had a great time today meeting all the players. I have boys of my own and I loved seeing the smiles on all their faces."