Excited England fans are already gearing up for the upcoming World Cup clash following the team’s impressive triumph against Mexico. The focus now shifts to England’s quarter-final match against Norway, set for a more convenient 10 pm kickoff time. VoucherCodes projects that over 24 million fans will tune in, contributing to an estimated £385.5 million boost in pub and retail spending.
After staying up late to witness the exhilarating 2 am game against Mexico, many fans struggled to get adequate sleep due to the sheer excitement of what was hailed as a remarkable display by the England team. Some powered through with minimal rest before heading to work, while others opted to watch the match on catch-up to avoid spoilers. Viewing figures for the game will be disclosed by the BBC on Tuesday.
The morning rush hour saw notably quieter roads and train stations as people started their day late or potentially took unscheduled time off. Two-goal hero Jude Bellingham even encouraged fans to take a day off work or school to celebrate the historic World Cup victory.
Despite the early kick-off time causing bleary eyes, a significant number of fans, around 17.8 million, were anticipated to stay up to witness the unfolding drama. Data from MRI Software revealed a substantial increase in foot traffic on high streets between midnight and 6 am compared to the previous year, with London experiencing a surge.
Pubs experienced a surge in sales and footfall, with Stonegate reporting a significant uptick in drink consumption, and Marston’s highlighting the memorable community atmosphere during the late-night games. The British Beer and Pub Association emphasized the positive impact of sporting events on pubs and communities.
Retailers like the Co-op saw a spike in sales, with 50,000 pizzas sold ahead of the match, and a pizza and beer deal witnessing a 22% rise in sales compared to the previous week. The enthusiasm and support for the England team were palpable across the country, setting the stage for an exciting quarter-final showdown.
