Excited and nervous England fans have descended on pubs and fan zones across the country ahead of the highly anticipated World Cup semi-final clash with Argentina. The match kicks off at 8pm UK time, but supporters have been gathering since early afternoon to secure prime spots for the game.
England vs Argentina: A Historic Rivalry
The Three Lions face old rivals Argentina in a tough match as they aim to reach the World Cup final for the first time since winning the tournament in 1966. World Cup holders Argentina are looking to extend Lionel Messi's goal count, which currently stands at eight, as he races for the Golden Boot. Both Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham are chasing Messi, each with six goals.
The clash is being played in Atlanta at 3pm local time, with UK fans enjoying extended pub hours until 1am thanks to a temporary government relaxation of licensing laws.
Fan Zones and Entertainment
At Boxpark Shoreditch in East London, a Jude Bellingham lookalike competition attracted a large crowd. Contestants took to the stage, showing off football skills or performing Bellingham's signature celebration with arms wide open. The winner, a man named Marcus, received a £1,966 Deliveroo voucher and a vinyl of The Beatles' hits, as fans sang "Hey Jude" for the young star.
Other fan zones, such as Boxpark Wembley, are packed with supporters waving St George's flags. In Manchester, the We Are Football festival at Freight Island also drew crowds with face-painted fans and a festive atmosphere.
Pubs Expecting Record Pint Sales
Pubs across the UK are anticipating a surge in sales, with the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) estimating six million extra pints will be sold on Wednesday night. An average Wednesday in July sees around eight million pints sold, meaning the additional six million represents a 75% increase.
BBPA chief executive Emma McClarkin said: "Thanks to the World Cup, we've seen millions of extra pints sold off the back of home nations matches. Given the nail-biting stakes, we expect Wednesday to be the most successful night of the tournament, with more than six million extra pints potentially sold – which is a bigger boost than we'd normally see on a bank holiday or New Year's Eve."
How to Watch
Fans in the UK can watch the match for free on BBC One, with coverage starting ahead of the 8pm kick-off. The nation holds its breath as England seeks to end a 60-year wait for a men's World Cup final appearance.
