England fans set to finish work early to cheer on Three Lions vs Denmark
Millions of fans are knocking off early to get behind England as they take on Denmark in their quest for Euro 2024 glory.
They will cram into pubs, bars and fan zones to watch Harry Kane ’s boys try to clinch a knockout spot, bringing the nation to a standstill. And 50,000 supporters are heading to Frankfurt for the clash, joining FA president Prince William.
England’s army of supporters will be on the march to pubs bars and fan zones hoping to witness a Danish pasting. And with Gareth Southgate ’s team just one win away from making the knockout stages of Euro 2024, confidence was high last night.
All eyes will be on Frankfurt at 5pm for the kick-off, as workplaces close early and pubs prepare to flog gallons of booze. And 50,000 England fans will descend on the German city for the Three Lions versus Vikings clash.
Among them was Richard Kettridge, who backed skipper Harry Kane and his team-mates to come away with a win. The 39-year-old electrician, from Acton, West London, said: “I’m very confident about the game.
“We will win and then top the group and, if we can get momentum, we can go all the way to the final in Berlin. Our fans have been magnificent. The noise made last Sunday was amazing. It’s going to be another special day.”
There was a carnival atmosphere in Frankfurt’s main Romerberg Square as English and Danish fans mixed happily.
England fans in Frankfurt ahead of Thursday's game
England fans mingle with Danish supporters in Frankfurt
One band from Denmark played Beatles hit Hey Jude, in tribute to England superstar Jude Bellingham, who scored the winner in England’s opening 1-0 victory over Serbia in Gelsenkirchen on Sunday.
Mark Salmons, from Bristol, said: “It was a really classy touch from the Danes. At first we weren’t sure what was going on but when they started singing Hey Jude we all joined in.”
England received 10,000 tickets, but at least 20,000 fans are expected to be inside the 47,000-seat stadium, home to Eintracht Frankfurt. Joining them will be FA president Prince William, hoping England can deliver an early present for his 42nd birthday tomorrow.
William shares a joke with the players
Around two million supporters will again head to bars and fans zones back home for tonight’s clash.
And around 18.2 million will watch the match on TV at home. The 4TheFans Euro parks confirmed many of their venues, in Brighton, London, Birmingham, Bristol and Leeds, are heavily booked as tens of thousands prepare to soak up the atmosphere.
A spokesman said: “People want to get away from the doom and gloom of the election, watch the match and have a good time. You can have a drink and enjoy the experience with mates.”
Former players Emile Heskey, Paul Merson, Ian Holloway, Tony Cottee, Paul Robinson, Danny Mills and Matt Le Tissier will entertain fans at the Euro zones. The British Beer and Pub Association predicted 5 million additional pints will be sunk, giving boozers a £24million boost.
Chief executive Emma McClarkin said: “The Euros are already providing a huge uplift in extra trade for pubs. Football fans know that there is no better place to watch live than down their local.
Millions of fans will pack out pubs in England
“I urge everyone to enjoy the match, cheer on England and enjoy a refreshing beer.” Greene King, which has 2,650 pubs across the UK, said competitions such as the Euros “really bring communities together”.
CEO Nick Mackenzie added: “It is about hosting the nation, whether young, old, whatever your background, you can enjoy the game and have a pint.”
In Gelsenkirchen, beer sold in the stadium was only 2% alcohol and supporters were not allowed to drink it in the stands. But there are no such restrictions in Frankfurt.
Det Chief Insp Björn Thies of the city’s police said: “We are very well prepared for this game, both in terms of the number of colleagues deployed and the equipment.” But fans were last night again warned about the dangers of buying online tickets from touts.
There will be no beer restrictions in Frankfurt
The Football Supporters’ Association said: “We’re seeing so many posts of people asking for tickets for England and many posts of people claiming to be selling tickets too. We would always advise caution buying online and handing over a lot of money without knowing if the tickets are legit.”
Around 4.9 million fans are expected to spend £191.3m in retail stores as they gear up for tonight’s clash.
This includes £118.5m on food and drink, £29.8m on electricals and £24.3m on sportswear, according to the website Vouchercodes.co.uk. The England players’ wives, girlfriends and families will also be in Frankfurt cheering on the Three Lions tonight.
Bellingham’s family are likely to be there, as is Luke Shaw ’s long-term partner Anouska Santos, 34, and 30-year-old goalie Jordan Pickford ’s wife Megan Davison, 28.
The team trained at Blankenhain on Wednesday before travelling the 147 miles to Frankfurt. Only Manchester United defender Shaw was missing as he continues to recover from a hamstring injury.