Fly the flag for England - on your skin ...
Peter WalshMost England fans are happy to fly their flag for their country during the World Cup but some are prepared to go one step further - and have it indelibly marked on their bodies.Peter Walsh
Most England fans are happy to fly their flag for their country during the World Cup but some are prepared to go one step further - and have it indelibly marked on their bodies.
World Cup year can traditionally be a busy time for tattooists with die hard England fans eager to go to extreme lengths to demonstrate their passion for the national footballing cause.
And Reuben Youngblood, who runs Rude Boy Tattoo Studio in Norwich, said he is expecting there to be a surge in demand for St George's crosses as the tournament progresses - particularly if England do well.
He said: 'No doubt we will and more requests will start coming in. We get a little bit of an influx. The St George's Cross is quite popular.
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'David Beckham has got the religious thing going on and we do a lot of that type of tattoo, which is religious based, or St George slaying the dragon.'
Mr Youngblood, who is not a football fan, said the beautiful game is however good for business and hopes it will be the same this summer.
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He said: 'If Norwich City are doing well we normally get requests for Norwich City badges. If Norwich are doing well its good for everyone and everyone has a smile on their face - people are happy and proud to be associated with Norwich City.
'There's a knock-on effect on the business and I think it will be the same with England. If they do well in the World Cup, even if they don't win it, but do well, the flags start flying.'
But Mr Youngblood's tattoo studio in Orford Place, between Pizza Hut and Debenhams, has not only proved popular with Canary supporters - but players too.
As previously reported former City players Jamie Cureton, Matty Pattison and Jon Otsemobor are among the stars that have had tattoos at the studio.
Mr Youngblood said he thinks the players like the fact that because he does not follow football they are treated like just any other customer.
For the next few weeks Evening News reporter Peter Walsh will be World Cup Walshy in a bid to uncover Norwich-related stories about the feast of football that is the World Cup.
Are you travelling out to South Africa to cheer on Fabio Capello's team, or are you organising an event in Norwich to celebrate the world's greatest footballing tournament?
If so, or if you have pictures from South Africa, or any other World Cup themed events, then get in touch with World Cup Walshy by calling 01603 772436 or emailing peter.walsh@archant.co.uk
