England’s upcoming match against DR Congo, scheduled for teatime, will allow young fans to cheer on the Three Lions. Previous late kick-off times during the group stages meant many children missed out on watching stars like Harry Kane in action unless they stayed up very late. However, with the 5pm start time for England’s next game, kids can now enjoy the match after school.
Headteacher Chris Spratt from Loudwater Combined School in Buckinghamshire expressed excitement among his pupils for the game and the World Cup in general. The school has integrated the tournament into its curriculum, incorporating lessons on global regions and hosting special guests, such as a witness to England’s 1966 World Cup victory and Cape Verde’s goalkeeper as an example of self-belief.
Some students have requested to wear England kits to school on match day, to which Mr. Spratt jokingly responded that they will save that for the final. While the early kick-off time suits school schedules, workers may need to negotiate with employers to leave on time for the game, with some possibly choosing to leave work early.
Vouchercodes predicts that 3.5 million viewers will watch the match in pubs and bars, while 11.2 million will tune in from home. Fans are expected to spend £276.3 million during the game, with a significant portion allocated to snacks and drinks. Additionally, the hospitality sector is estimated to receive £64.8 million from fans heading to pubs after work.
As the match approaches, fans are preparing to watch the action either discreetly at work or on the go, relying on streaming services for live updates. The anticipation is high among both students and workers as they gear up for an exciting match between England and DR Congo.