THREE Lions fans are hitting the pubs early to prepare to cheer on England in their World Cup quarter final with France.
England fans adorned in flags and themed bucket hats are already downing pints ahead of the historic clash tonight in Qatar.
Thousands of fans will later cheer on England in Al Khor and millions more back home will watch on TV, with pubs and bars readying themselves for another bumper evening.
The two giants of European football will meet at the Al Bayt Stadium tonight, with the winner facing Morocco or Portugal in the semi-finals on Wednesday.
The British Beer and Pub Association hopes the 7pm kick-off time in the UK will encourage punters to visit their local early.
It predicts six million more pints could be sold during the quarter-final, providing a £26 million boost to the industry.
MORE ON THE FRENCH CLASH
The RAC suggested football fans should leave their cars at home and go on foot to watch the match due to the “big freeze” across the country.
In Newcastle England fans have already braved freezing conditions to enjoy an early drink this afternoon.
Dozens of supporters gathered in the city as early as 2pm in preparation for the huge game later this evening.
Meanwhile extra police officers will be deployed in London given large swathes of English and French football fans are expected to flock to the city.
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Downing Street said Rishi Sunak wishes England the “best of luck” and he will watch the game with friends and colleagues at the Prime Minister’s countryside retreat, Chequers.
The Three Lions landed the first blow this morning as their supporters beat their French counterparts 7-4 in a match at a windswept Doha Sports Park.
England fans sang Neil Diamond’s Sweet Caroline and danced to New Order’s football anthem World In Motion as they enjoyed the atmosphere at the Cabana Hop Garden, at Doha’s Radisson Blu Hotel.
Friends James Bayley and Charles Johnson, both 28 and from London, arrived in Qatar on Friday morning and said they were on the same flight as Raheem Sterling.
Chelsea forward Sterling returned to the squad after missing last Sunday’s last-16 win against Senegal due to concerns over his family’s wellbeing following the incident at his home in Surrey.
Mr Johnson, who works in shipping, predicted a 3-1 England win and said: “I think if England start how they did against Senegal, after 30 minutes when Jude (Bellingham) and Hendo (Jordan Henderson) took it on, I think we’ll be all right.”
He added: “I think whoever wins it today has got their hand on the trophy, but we’ll see what happens.”
Mr Johnson said it had been a “World Cup of upsets”, adding: “For once I’m actually confident about England’s chances. We were in Russia last time around and there’s a good feeling about the team.
“On our plane out here Sterling was on it too with his family so I think that’ll be a big boost to the team.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
