Police are preparing for "tension" between England and Germany supporters

Police are preparing for "tension" between supporters when England meet Germany in the knock-out stages of the World Cup, the man leading UK officers on the ground in South Africa has said.

And while there have been no football-related arrests so far during the tournament, Assistant Chief Constable Andy Holt said the fixture has "the most potential" for trouble so far.

But he praised the behaviour of England fans and said his officers had never experienced a more friendly atmosphere.

He said his men would be working with the South African authorities to ensure a trouble-free encounter in Bloemfontein on Sunday.

Mr Holt, leading a team of 12 UK officers at the tournament, said: "Clearly there will be more tension around. It's the start of the knock-out competition and there is some traditional enmity between England supporters and German supporters. We are aware of all those factors and we will be working very hard in Bloemfontein on Sunday to ensure we enjoy a fourth trouble-free, enjoyable fixture."

He continued: "Clearly there is an element of dependency on the result of the fixture. That has a huge bearing on how things will turn out. It depends on the behaviour of both sets of supporters. I think if they can relax as they have done in the previous fixtures we will have an enjoyable time in Bloemfontein.

"But there is no doubt that of the fixtures we have played so far this has perhaps the most potential to cause us some problems."

Asked if he had a message for England fans, he said: "Concentrate on supporting the team, continue behaving as you have done. You have done your country proud. And I'm sure with the right support from the England fans, the team can go on and get a victory over the Germans."

Mr Holt said a "combination of factors" had helped ensure a trouble-free tournament so far, including more than 3,000 football banning orders, and the make up of the fans.