England fans are already looking ahead to Saturday's World Cup quarterfinal against Norway after the team’s stunning victory over Mexico in the round of 16. The 2am kick-off saw pubs across the country packed until 5am, with many fans struggling to sleep before work.
Record Viewership and Spending Expected
Discount website VoucherCodes estimates that more than 24 million fans will tune in for the quarterfinal, which kicks off at a more convenient 10pm. The site predicts fans will spend £385.5 million in pubs and shops during the match.
The early-morning victory was hailed as one of England's greatest performances. Jude Bellingham, who scored two goals, urged fans to take the day off work and school to celebrate. "Have another shot and text your bosses to say you're not coming in tomorrow," he said. "If you can't enjoy a night like this, just for one night, then I don't know what it's worth."
Pubs and Businesses Benefit
Landlady Dawn Slater of the Garricks Head in Urmston, Greater Manchester, said her pub was still packed with 280 customers at 4.30am. "The atmosphere was absolutely electric from the first whistle to the last," she told the Mirror.
Thea Barrotts, general manager of Cramptons Bar in Broadstairs, Kent, reported selling 1,386 pints—more than on New Year's Eve. "We gave out 150 bacon sarnies on the door to everybody," she added.
Stonegate, the UK's largest pub company, served 796,000 drinks across its 717 pubs, including 412,000 pints. Spirits sales surged to 145,000, with 59,000 shots of Smirnoff Red vodka. Marston's reported selling over 120,000 drinks between 11pm and 5am at its 450 pubs that stayed open late.
Quiet Commute and School Celebrations
The morning commute was noticeably quieter, with many fans starting late or taking sick leave. Buttsbury Primary School in Billericay, Essex, replayed the game so pupils could share the excitement before lessons.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer stayed up to watch the match with his son. His spokesman said: "He's a touch sleep deprived this morning, but incredibly proud of the team. This morning's victory in the heat of the Azteca Stadium, at altitude and against the host nation, was up there as one of England's best ever performances."
Economic Impact
The Co-op sold 50,000 pizzas on Sunday ahead of the match, with its pizza and beer deal seeing a 22% increase in sales compared with the previous Sunday. Data from MRI Software showed that the number of people on high streets between midnight and 6am was up nearly 144% on the same time last year, with London seeing a 188% surge.
Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, said: "This was an outstanding night for the Three Lions and fans. Sport and pubs go hand in hand, and the tournament is a huge boost for pubs."
