The little corner of France that is more British than Britain cheers England for beating South Africa in the World Cup

A small part of France, more British than Britain, challenges the rest of its country and cheers England to beat South Africa tonight and win the Rugby World Cup.

Le Touquet, painted red and white, supports Steve Borthwick’s men as they seek revenge for Les Bleus’ defeat to the Springboks last weekend.

The seaside town was built in 1902 by British entrepreneur John Whitley to reflect the spirit of the Entente cordiale between England and France.

The town hall’s clock tower sounds like Big Ben, the airport is named after the late queen and the casino inspired Ian Fleming to write Casino Royale.

With France at war with South Africa last weekend, the city is desperate for its friends from across the Channel to return the favor in tonight’s semi-final.

“We now have two reasons to support the English rugby team,” local mayor Daniel Fasquelle told the Mail. “We have a strong relationship and this team is also able to avenge the French rugby team.”

The seaside town was built in 1902 by British entrepreneur John Whitley to reflect the spirit of the Entente cordiale between England and France

“The whole of Le Touquet will stand behind England.” When I talk to my citizens they all support England now. “In the city we have a very large red and white rugby ball surrounded by fifteen roses – I think it sends a very clear message.”

The flags of St George fly throughout the resort, where famous holidaymakers include Winston Churchill, Ian Fleming and PG Wodehouse.

The fever has been running high since the England team set up camp. Some forgot the natural hostility of the rest of their countrymen to the English.

Local tour guide Alice Oniszczyk traveled with 15 friends to watch England play Samoa in Lille. She wore polo shirts with the St. George flag carried.

“We were the only French people cheering for England – it was so embarrassing,” she said. “It shows that Le Touquet is a kind of bubble, an exception in France.”

Since the tournament was hosted at Channel Resort, the fortunes of the Red Rose have changed.

Mr Fasquelle, who flew across the country to watch them play, said: “Before England came here they were losing game after game, but since they breathed the air of Le Touquet they haven’t lost.”

While the city was devastated by France’s elimination from its own tournament, there was also relief among some who were not so sure who they would have supported had they faced England in the semi-finals.

St George’s flags fly throughout the resort, where famous holidaymakers include Winston Churchill, Ian Fleming and PG Wodehouse

With France at war with South Africa last weekend, the city is desperate for its friends from across the Channel to return the favor in tonight’s semi-final.

Schoolchildren learned the words “God Save The King” to sing to the players as they trained with some of the youngsters who have joined the England national team.

Mr. Fasquelle insists that “100 percent” of the city would have been “patriotic” and supported France. But it would for me. Oniszczyk has been more difficult. “I have to admit it would have been very difficult for me,” she said.

“I would have felt like a disloyal, ungrateful French woman cheering for the other team. “It won’t happen now, so I’ll be happy and free to cheer for England.”

Although it was the beauty of the Hotel Le Touquet in Westminster – a favorite of Churchill – which is said to have inspired Casino Royal, the Red Rose was in less glamorous settings.

The team stayed at the local Holiday Inn. Former coach Eddie Jones chose the location because it is near a training ground opened in 1903 by Pierre de Coubertin, the French founder of the modern Olympic movement.

At least the team was allowed to move “freely” through the city, including with hardened lead rower Joe Marler cycling through the streets to take a dip in the ocean.

The 4,500 local residents really appreciated the team and described them as “humble” and “normal”. When England reached the knockout stages last week, some of their hosts shed tears.

But tonight they will empty the bars and cheer on their side. “I really hope the team will beat the South Africans,” Ms Oniszczyk said. “I’ll keep my fingers crossed.”