Pubs across the UK are preparing to sell six million pints on Wednesday as England take on Argentina in the World Cup semi-final, according to the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA). This represents a 75% increase compared to a typical weekday in July, with more pints expected to be pulled than on a bank holiday or New Year's Eve.
Record beer sales expected
BBPA chief executive Emma McClarkin said: 'Thanks to the World Cup, we've seen millions of extra pints sold off the back of home nations matches. Given the nail-biting stakes, we expect Wednesday to be the most successful night of the tournament.' Data from Barclays shows that spending in pubs and bars has tripled after previous England matches.
Pub chain Greene King has reported 50,000 bookings across 1,000 pubs for Wednesday night's match, while Marston's saw sales double during England's quarter-final victory over Norway.
Fans travel to Atlanta
Thousands of England supporters have travelled to Atlanta, where Thomas Tuchel's side will face the defending world champions at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Roughly 100,000 fans are expected to arrive, despite the stadium's capacity of just 68,000. Two thirds of those are expected to be Argentina fans.
Gary Holliday, 46, from Birmingham, said he had spent thousands travelling to the US and was confident England could win. 'If Bellingham turns up, I honestly don't think they're as good as they think they are. I think Bellingham is going to run all over them.' However, he added: 'You've got to be mildly concerned, haven't you? But Messi of four years ago is not the same player he is now.'
Another supporter, Colin Leslie, 63, said: 'I'm absolutely petrified. It's going to be a long trip home if it goes wrong.'
Security measures heightened
Given the history between the two nations, police have increased security around Atlanta, deploying extra officers at the stadium, fan zones and entertainment districts. In the UK, police forces including Greater Manchester Police have announced additional patrols as thousands of supporters pack pubs and fan parks for what could be England's biggest match in decades.
England are looking to reach a first men's World Cup final since 1966.
