A wave of jubilant England supporters, despite feeling fatigued, has wasted no time in gearing up for the upcoming World Cup showdown following the national team’s remarkable triumph against Mexico. The focus has now shifted to England’s quarter-final clash with Norway, set for a more convenient kick-off time of 10pm. VoucherCodes projects that over 24 million fans will be glued to their screens, potentially splurging around £385.5 million in bars and stores.
Many fans who stayed up until the wee hours to watch the intense Mexico match found it challenging to catch some shut-eye afterward, considering it a standout display by an England football squad. Some valiantly soldiered on without much rest before facing the day’s responsibilities. Meanwhile, those who refrained from watching live woke up early to catch up on the game, striving to avoid spoilers. Viewing figures for the match will be disclosed by the BBC on Tuesday.
The typically bustling roads and train stations experienced a noticeable lull during the morning rush hour as individuals either commenced their day later or secured permission from their employers to arrive tardy. Speculations hinted that a significant number might have taken impromptu sick leaves. England’s star of the match, Jude Bellingham, urged fans to take a day off from work or school to revel in the historic World Cup victory.
Buttsbury Primary School in Billericay, Essex, was among the educational institutions that replayed the game to allow students to partake in the excitement before classes. Opposition leader Keir Starmer stayed up to witness the game, with the Prime Minister’s spokesperson revealing his pride in the team’s performance and enthusiasm for the upcoming quarter-final.
With pubs permitted to extend hours until 5am, some enthusiasts might have seamlessly transitioned from their local pub to their workplace. Landlady Dawn Slater from the Garricks Head in Urmston, Greater Manchester, recounted a vibrant atmosphere with the venue packed until the early hours. Thea Barrotts, the manager of Cramptons Bar in Broadstairs, Kent, described a lively day with increased pub traffic, providing a significant boost to business.
Despite the late-night kickoff, a predicted 17.8 million viewers were anticipated to stay awake for the unfolding drama. Data from MRI Software revealed a substantial surge in foot traffic on high streets between midnight and 6am compared to the previous year, with London experiencing a notable increase. Pub chains like Stonegate and Marston’s reported a surge in drink sales, indicating a memorable and community-oriented night for fans and establishments alike.
Emma McClarkin, the chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, hailed the synergy between sports and pubs, highlighting the significant economic impact of the tournament on local pubs. The Co-op reported a surge in pizza sales pre-match, with a notable uptick in sales of their pizza and beer combo deal compared to the previous week.