Pubs are expecting to sell six million pints on Wednesday for fans watching England’s semi-final against Argentina.
The Three Lions are taking on Argentina in the World Cup semi-final in what is one of the biggest nights in football history.
According to the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA), an extra six million pints are expected to be sold across the UK on Wednesday, which is a 75% increase compared to typical weekday in July.
More pints are also expected to be pulled than on a bank holiday or even New Year’s Eve.
‘Thanks to the World Cup, we’ve seen millions of extra pints sold off the back of home nations matches,’ BBPA chief executive Emma McClarkin said.
‘Given the nail-biting stakes, we expect Wednesday to be the most successful night of the tournament.’
Spending in both pubs and bars is also said to have tripled after previous matches, according to data from Barclays.
Pub chain Greene King said it already has 50,000 bookings across 1,000 pubs for Wednesday night’s match, while Marston’s reported sales doubling during England’s quarter-final victory over Norway.
Thousands of England supporters have also travelled to Atlanta, where Thomas Tuchel’s side will face the defending world champions in front of a packed Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Earlier today, Argentina fans were seen fighting one another, as a brawl broke out between rival club fans.
England are looking to reach a first men’s World Cup final since 1966.
Gary Holliday, 46, from Birmingham, said he had spent thousands travelling to the US and was confident England could get the job done.
‘If Bellingham turns up, I honestly don’t think they’re as good as they think they are,’ he said.
‘I think Bellingham is going to run all over them.’
However, discussing Argentina’s captain Lionel Messi, he continued: ‘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.’
Roughly 100,000 fans are expected to arrive in Atlanta, despite the stadium having a capacity of just 68,000.
From that number, two thirds are expected to be Argentina fans, outweighing England supporters.
Given the history between the two nations, police have increased security around the city, deploying extra officers at the stadium, fan zones and entertainment districts.
In the UK, police forces, including Greater Manchester Police, have also announced additional patrols as thousands of supporters are expected to pack pubs and fan parks for what could be England’s biggest match in decades.