Interest has exploded in Thomas Tuchel’s team since their thrilling 4-2 victory over Croatia in the opening game - widely regarded as the match of the tournament so far
Sweltering Brits supped 27 million pints during England’s boring World Cup draw with Ghana - giving the nation’s pubs their biggest midweek sales explosion in two years.
Up to 19 million supporters tuned in to watch the Three Lions’ second group match last night. Interest has exploded in Thomas Tuchel ’s team since their thrilling 4-2 victory over Croatia in the opening game - widely regarded as the match of the tournament so far.
Analysts said fans blew £237m in a big match booze and BBQ bender last night. Boosted by the heatwave, pubs were braced for their busiest midweek night since Euro 2024.
Two million drinkers were estimated to have crammed into England’s 35,000 pubs for the game. Experts said 13m pints were drunk in pubs - 6m more than normal. Another 14m were sunk at football house parties.
Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, said of the upcoming Panama game on Saturday: “The best way to enjoy the match is down the pub with friends and fellow fans. I’d encourage people to head to their local and cheer on England.”
Research by spending experts Vouchercodes found £168m were spent on food and drink for house parties with £69m or more spent in pubs. Clair Hughes, of Vouchercodes, said ahead of last night’s match: “A midweek kick-off won’t deter Brits from spending big for England.”
Schools are braced for sleepy kids in lessons today (wed) after many stayed up late for the big match. One approved children watching the game and even promised them a lie-in
Castle Hill Primary School in Basingstoke, Hants, said in a letter to parents: “We understand children may wish to stay up to watch matches so the morning after England games they can arrive at 9.30am.”
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