England fans in Benidorm have started drinking hours before the World Cup semi-final against Argentina, with bars filling up by 2pm local time, seven hours before kick-off. Thousands are expected at the area known as "England Square" to watch Thomas Tuchel's team try to reach its first World Cup final in 60 years.
Fans gather at Uncle Ted's British Pub
At Uncle Ted's British Pub, supporters are enjoying cold beers in 40°C heat while anticipating the match. Gary Carr from Leeds said: "I think we’ll win 2-1. This is my first lager of the day. I'll take a break, but I’ll be back at tea time to get my seat."
Stoke City fan Anthony Rathbone showed off his England tattoo as he sipped a pint. He joked: "I’ve been here since midday, it’s not my first. I might have a nap later, but if I hold up I'll keep going." He predicted a 3-1 England win with goals from Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and Nico O'Reilly.
Birthday celebration coincides with semi-final
Friends Liam Allum, Ricky Cropper and Sean Anderson flew to Spain for Sean's 30th birthday. Sean said: "It’s my birthday celebration, we planned it all and were just praying England reach the semi final. We all worked our holidays around it. It’s a double bubble."
Liam predicted a close game: "I think it’ll be a close game, 2-2 then penalties. I’ve a horrible feeling that things will go Argentina’s way again, but I hope not." Sean forecast a 2-0 win for England, while Ricky said they'd win 1-0.
Ricky said they were enjoying beers and cocktails before the game: "We’ll carry on through, but we’ll pace ourselves." Sean added: "It’s part and parcel of being in Benidorm, you’ve got to get on with it." Looking forward, he said: "It’s coming home. I’m more confident than I was in the Euros. I think we’ve got the edge to get it over the line. England have got the ability to turn it on."
Security increased in Benidorm
An increased police presence is expected in Benidorm as part of a World Cup security crackdown. A spokesman for Benidorm Town Council confirmed: "Both local police employed by the town hall and National Police will reinforce afternoon and night-time shifts from the competition’s start and end dates."
