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A gigantic England badge, carefully assembled from stones on a Suffolk beach, has appeared just as the national football team prepares to begin their World Cup journey in Dallas, Texas.

Artist Toby Clark, aged 40, spent “a little over eight-and-a-half hours” creating the impressive design near Lowestoft, Suffolk.

The artwork, shaped like a shield, measures six metres in width and nine metres in height (19.6ft by 29.5ft). It was completed on the opening day of the World Cup, 11 June.

The design showcases the word ‘England’ spelled out in stones, with a star positioned above it.

“It’s all just stones from the beach, scooped up in tubs and sprinkled down,” explained Mr Clark.

To ensure accuracy, the football enthusiast first levelled the sand and then used a string grid to outline the pattern.

“I’ve always loved doing things like this since watching Art Attack as a kid,” he said. “I often make large England badges whenever I get the chance. I’ve done big chalk versions on the patio before. Whenever I can, I do one.”

Mr Clark, who works as a cleaner, said that “people seem to be really impressed with it”.

He added that many people online had assumed the artwork was AI-generated when they saw the pictures. “I take that as a huge compliment,” he remarked.

In a post on social media, Mr Clark, who lives in Lowestoft, mentioned that a vehicle had driven over the artwork earlier in the week.

Speaking on Wednesday, he said he believed the incident was accidental and that he had managed to restore the badge before England’s opening game against Croatia at the Dallas Stadium on Wednesday night.

“When you’re at the location, it’s clear that it’s the only access point onto the beach for vehicles,” he explained. “Whoever drove over it must have had the keys to the gate — so it’s likely the council, police, fire brigade, or coastguard. Someone like that.

“I don’t think it was deliberate, and I don’t think they had much choice. I think I’ve done a pretty decent job of repairing it. It looks good to me.”

When asked about England’s prospects in the tournament, Mr Clark said confidently, “We’re going to bring it home, obviously – otherwise I’ve wasted my time.”