With only hours remaining until England’s World Cup semi-final against Argentina, fans nationwide are gearing up in hopes of witnessing the Three Lions triumph.
St George’s flags are displayed on homes and throughout streets, while hundreds of thousands flock to pubs and bars to catch the match.
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The British Beer and Pub Association expects a 75% increase in sales, with pubs anticipated to serve an additional six million pints on Wednesday.
In anticipation of the match, a crowd gathered for a Jude Bellingham look-alike contest at BOXPARK in Shoreditch, where the winner claimed £1,966 in Deliveroo credit, celebrating England’s last World Cup victory.
Simultaneously, some fans have taken to social media to support Thomas Tuchel’s team by purchasing “spells” from self-described witches on Etsy, hoping to ensure an England victory.
Tuchel remarked that his team is ready to take on an Argentina squad “driven by history” as they aim for their first men’s World Cup final appearance in 60 years.
England flags are displayed outside No.10 Downing Street before tonight’s World Cup semi-final against Argentina (Getty)
Major screenings of the match are scheduled at locations nationwide.
Leeds City Council will welcome fans at Millennium Square with a high-definition giant LED screen and concert-style sound.
A “massive indoor screen” will be set up in London’s Alexandra Palace, featuring “football anthems, singalongs, and pre-match classics before kickoff.”
Silverworks Island will continue to operate its main stage for fans following FISHER’s weekend concert, and Manchester’s Castlefield Bowl will also host a showing with a “full festival-style build-up.”
Football enthusiasts can catch the match in several cinemas, including Vue and Picturehouse Cinemas.
Major screenings for tonight’s match will take place across the country (Reuters)
British Airways has committed to keeping its crew updated on the score to inform passengers who may not have access to the match.
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Should England win, London City Hall is planning a screening for the final, with the O2 likely to be the chosen venue.
Kick-off for tonight’s match is at 8 PM (BST) in Atlanta, with heightened security measures in the city due to expectations of the “highest risk” game.
The winning team will face Spain on Sunday at the New York New Jersey Stadium.
Sir Keir Starmer encountered requests during his last Prime Minister’s Questions to conclude his tenure with a World Cup victory.
He mentioned having “an important appointment with the television” and expressed his best wishes to England as they progress in the tournament.
The Prime Minister is anticipated to declare a bank holiday if England wins the final, with an announcement expected to follow a victory tonight.