Police chiefs are deciding if extra officers will be needed to cope with potential flash-points across Bradford during the World Cup.

While England's group games are not against traditionally hostile rivals, officers are aware that tensions could rise if England were to meet Germany or Argentina in the later rounds.

Police staffing levels are being reviewed ahead of the tournament and decisions will be made on officer numbers depending on the perceived threat presented by each fixture.

Thousands of supporters are expected to cram into pubs across the district as the World Cup progresses.

England's matches could also be shown on the new big screen in Centenary Square and police say that factor will be a consideration as they make plans.

A joint operation will be mounted throughout the World Cup involving officers from the Bradford North, Bradford South and Keighley divisions.

In Calderdale, all police leave has been cancelled so more officers can be on duty during England's games, but police in Bradford are yet to follow suit.

PC Bryn Stokes, Bradford's football liaison officer, said: "We will judge each match on its own merits and mount specific operations if there's a particular threat.

"Final staffing has not been decided as yet but on some match days I could see us wanting everybody in.

"We will judge it depending on the fixture, the mood and the time of the kick-off.

"For example, an England versus Germany game in the knock-out rounds would have potential for tensions to rise.

"We are aware that the city centre has got the big screen and we are led to believe that will be up and running by the World Cup, so that's a consideration.

"That area will probably be a Council-led operation involving their own stewards.

"If its a hot day, I would imagine the square would be quite busy."

PC Stokes said police preparations in Bradford for the World Cup were ahead of those in other parts of West Yorkshire.

"With Bradford being the only West Yorkshire club not involved in the play-offs, we have got a head start on others," he said.

David Haigh, president of Bradford Inner-city Licensees Association, said the World Cup would provide a boost for bars promoting the tournament.

He said: "Not everybody can go to Germany to watch the matches but many people still want to be in a football atmosphere, which they can get in the pubs. As for trouble, England matches don't usually generate problems unless there's someone in the pub supporting the other team.

"The customers might get a bit boisterous so it's a case of making sure they don't get too drunk.

"If the people who run the establishment are responsible, there shouldn't be any problems."

Officers have been visiting licensees, especially at pubs popular with football fans, in the run-up to the competition. Police will also be pointing out potential dangers surrounding the competition during Pubwatch meetings across the district.

Bradford Council has not confirmed whether or not the big screen in Centenary Square will be used to show the football.

"We are examining all the options available to us," said a spokesman.

England's first match is against Paraguay on Saturday, June 10.

e-mail: will.kilner @bradford.newsquest.co.uk