6.8 million pints expected to be bought tonight as England take on Denmark
They're playing in the Euro 2020 semi-finals
England play Denmark in the semi-finals of Euro 2020 tonight and it's estimated that fans will buy more than 50,000 pints a minute during the course of two hours.
The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) has predicted that supporters cheering on the Three Lions from beer gardens and pubs across the nation will buy an estimated 6.8 million pints during the game.
The BBPA reckons almost 10 million pints will be sold in total on Wednesday, with the vast majority being during the course of the semi-final, which kicks off at 8pm.
But the industry organisation said that figure would be closer to 12 million had coronavirus restrictions such as social distancing not been in place.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson this week announced his decision to get rid of most of England’s coronavirus regulations at Step 4 of the road map, expected on July 19.
Emma McClarkin, BBPA chief executive, said: “With England fans’ support, we hope that pubs will sell 6.8 million pints during the semi-final match.
“If the team goes on to win, a final at Wembley awaits, which would be a huge boost to our pubs and the nation."
Downing Street has already announced plans to extend pub opening hours by 15 minutes on Sunday evening, to cater for the potential for extra time and penalties in the Euro 2020 finals.
A chance to make history tonight
The Duke of Cambridge, who is president of the Football Association, will be among those inside the ground to watch the match, which will be the first time the men’s team has made it to the semi-final of a European Championship since an ill-fated penalty shoot-out defeat to Germany at Euro 96.
England manager Gareth Southgate, who saw his penalty saved in the sudden death shootout 25 years ago, will be hoping his team can go at least one better and make it to the final, also at Wembley, on Sunday evening.
Tonight’s semi-final kicks off at 8pm, with tens of millions expected to watch the match on ITV.
Victory will see them in their first major final since the 1966 World Cup.
Italy await the winners of Wednesday’s match following a semi-final victory against Spain on Tuesday in which they triumphed on penalties when the game ended in a 1-1 draw.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson was among those urging the England team on, saying: “Gareth Southgate and the England squad have done the nation proud in the Euros, and tonight we will all be wishing them the best of luck in getting to the final. Bring it home!”
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer also had words of encouragement for the squad, adding: “Gareth Southgate and the squad will have the whole nation behind them tonight. Both on and off the pitch, they have shown the best of England. There’s been only one song featured in our house since Saturday – it’s coming home.”
Those watching from outside venues may need to be prepared for all weathers, with sunshine and showers forecast for parts of England throughout the day.