England fans across the country endured a rollercoaster of emotions as Thomas Tuchel's side recovered from an early setback to beat DR Congo 2-1, with Harry Kane's double sending the Three Lions into the World Cup last 16. Millions packed pubs and bars, while children rushed home from school to catch the 5pm kick-off, dubbed 'Bunk Off Wednesday' as workers took time off for the game.
Early Drama and Kane's Heroics
In the first half, bars fell silent on seven minutes as Brian Cipenga fired Congo ahead. There was uproar on 43 minutes when captain Harry Kane was denied a penalty. Then, in the 75th minute, everyone was off their seats as Kane headed home the equaliser, and pubs erupted as he hammered the ball into the top of the net for the winner.
Watching at Fusion Sports Bar in Timperley, Manchester, Man United supporter Nik Southworth said: “They made it hard work, but Kane is just brilliant. The defence looked shambolic every time Congo attacked. Why didn’t they take Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw?” Huddersfield Town fan Dan Beck added: “They made such hard work of it, thank God for Kane. After watching France last night I was hoping England would put on a show. But they were pretty poor.” Doncaster Rovers fan Steve McConnell noted: “Even Scotland defended better than that.”
Pubs and Workplaces Adapt
An estimated third of the workforce clocked off an hour early to catch the match, with high streets and railway stations emptier than usual. Fans were predicted to drink 28 million pints of beer as they cheered on the Three Lions, with more than 15 million expected to watch on the BBC, the largest teatime audience for five years.
Andy Tighe, from the British Beer and Pub Association, predicted “pubs to be busy, with a very positive evening for them”. He said: “We’re very excited, it’s a great time, and because it’s the first knockout round as well it’s make or break, so there’s a lot riding on it. We are expecting the pubs to be busy.” Alan Price, chief executive at BrightHR, which monitors absence among over a million employees at over 50,000 UK companies, said: “With a 5pm kick-off for the England game, it looks like ‘Bunk Off Wednesday’. Businesses should expect a slowdown from mid-afternoon as millions of employees stop work early to get to the pub or back home in time for the match.”
Fan Reactions Across the Country
Watching the action from Atlanta, Georgia, with two colleagues at Boxpark Wembley, sales boss Nathan Charles, 43, said: “I'm their boss and I said they could, which means I can.” Ellie Thompson and her business partner decided to “give themselves the time off” to nab a spot at the venue. She said: “Yeah we've taken a half day to come and see it.” She also had tickets for Harry Styles next door at Wembley Stadium following the game, saying: “So we need it to not go into extra time and penalties so we can go in.”
Jaxson Bunman, an 18-year-old Australian wearing an England top, said: “You see how big England is with soccer and how much it means to the people and how the atmosphere’s unreal.” At Boxpark Shoreditch, fans went wild at the final whistle and burst into song, including Sweet Caroline. Mark King, 34, from Sheffield, said: “I’m happy as Larry. It’s coming home!” Jake Fraser, 34, from Gainsborough, Lincs, said: “Next game we need to attack, attack, attack. We can 100% beat Mexico.” Stacey Howarth, 38, said: “First half? Second half England smashed it! Next game, we’re in their home. We’re in their city. Ever the optimist as an England fan, I think we’re going to win 2-0.”
Wimbledon and Other Venues
Wimbledon tennis chiefs banned screenings of the game. A spokesperson said: “We won't be showing the World Cup. Our screens will be showing the tennis.” England began the World Cup with a 4-2 victory over Croatia, before a goalless draw with Ghana and a 2-0 win against Panama. They now face Mexico in the next round.
