England fans are already enjoying beers in Benidorm, with hours to go before the World Cup semi-final against Argentina. Bars began filling up at 2pm local time, seven hours before kick-off, as thousands of supporters descended on the area nicknamed "England Square" to watch Thomas Tuchel's men aim for a first World Cup final in 60 years.
Fans gather at Uncle Ted's British Pub
At Uncle Ted's British Pub, England fans were cooling off with beer 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 while sipping 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 Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, and Nico O'Reilly scoring.
Friends celebrate birthday in Benidorm
Friends Liam Allum and Ricky Cropper had flown to Spain to help pal Sean Anderson celebrate his 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 was more confident, predicting 2-0 to England, while Ricky said they'd sneak it 1-0. Ricky added: "We'll carry on through, but we'll pace ourselves." Sean said: "It's part and parcel of being in Benidorm, you've got to get on with it."
Fans confident of victory
Looking forward to the game, Sean 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." If they face Spain in the final, Ricky said: "Argentina are a decent side, but so are Spain. It's not going to be easy, but England are good enough to do it."
Security measures in place
An increased police presence is expected on the streets of the holiday hotspot ahead of the game as part of a huge 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."
