England prepares to roar on the Three Lions: Fans flock to pubs and bars as Tuchel's men take on Croatia in opening game of the World Cup

By AIDAN RADNEDGE, SENIOR NEWS REPORTER Published: 20:11, 17 June 2026 | Updated: 20:29, 17 June 2026 England fans are flocking to pubs across the country ahead of the Three Lions finally kicking off their 2026 World Cup adventure - aiming to end 60 years of hurt. Industry chiefs have forecast an extra 5million pints will be poured as Thomas Tuchel's men take on Croatia at 9pm British time. The Group L game in Dallas, with captain Harry Kane leading the line, comes six days after the tournament co-hosted by the USA, Mexico and Canada started.  The hospitality sector has complained about high inflation, rising energy bills and the the Labour government's increases to National Insurance contributions in staff wages. But there are hopes that the participation of both England and Scotland in this summer's finals could provide a boost as supporters back home turn out in force.  Scotland, taking part in their first World Cup since 1998, beat Haiti 1-0 on Sunday, with further group games against Morocco ad Brazil ahead. England face not only Croatia this evening but also Ghana and Panama.  British Beer and Pub Association chief executive Emma McClarkin said today: 'Thanks to the World Cup and Scotland’s fantastic performance, early indications suggest an extra 300,000 pints were poured in Scotland over the weekend. Three Lions have flocked to pubs across England as the squad prepare to take on Croatia in Dallas Two fans with England-themed hats smile ahead of this evening's match which they are watching from English soil England fans gather to watch England V Croatia FIFA World Cup at Croydon Boxpark on June 17 A smiling England fan has his thumbs up to the camera with a St George's flag draped around his neck Two fans pose with their drinks in Derby ahead of the match across the pond England fans have began to flock to pubs around the nation as they get prepared to watch the Three Lions take on Croatia tonight England supporters gather at the Alwyne Castle pub in Islington ahead of today's game against Croatia Three Lions Fans - donning their team's kit - prepare to watch the game at a pub in Camden  'We're expecting England’s first match to draw fans to the pub and anticipate an extra 5million pints will be pulled as we all cheer on the team, which will be a massive boost for the sector. 'The best way to enjoy the match is, and always has been, down the pub with friends and fellow fans, and I’d encourage everyone to head to their local to cheer on England.' The organisation also highlighted how England fans are set to pay 54p in beer duty on each pint, the highest of the four countries in Group L - compared to Croatia's 12.6p.  Scottish fans celebrated not only a first World Cup win for 36 years but also a bonus Bank Holiday Monday to go with it - but Sir Keir Starmer has demurred on whether England supporters could get to do the same. Scotland's First Minister John Swinney granted today as an extra Bank Holiday - with King Charles giving his approval to the proposal earlier this year. Meanwhile, the Prime Minister travelled to France on Monday for a three-day G7 summit while intending to return to London in time to tune in to the Croatia clash. Sir Keir, an Arsenal season ticket-holder, said he would be 'glued' to the game after arriving home just in time - 'just by accident', he joked. But he has downplayed the prospect of days off for fellow England fans following early-hours kick-offs at the tournament. Three Lions supporters share a hearty laugh as they prepare for the highly-anticipated match against Croatia Englanf captain spoke yesterday ahead of Wednesday evening's Group L game in Dallas England fans have been excitedly anticipating the Three Lions' opening World Cup match Across the Atlantic, these are among the England fans arriving at Dallas Stadium for the match When asked whether England could also enjoy a Bank Holiday if the Three Lions have kick-offs in the early hours later in the tournament, Sir Keir said: 'Look, we don't want to jinx the outcome.' Ahead of England's opening match against Croatia whose star players include ex-Tottenham Hotspur and Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric, the PM added: 'I shall be glued to it.' Scotland's triumph over Haiti in Boston on Sunday was the country's first World Cup win since defeating Sweden 2-1 at Italia 90. The Tartan Army, managed by Steve Clarke, last competed at a World Cup in France in 1998 - in a group alongside Brazil, their opponents again this summer. They have never yet made it through to the knock-out stages at World Cups or European Championships.  Scotland's upcoming encounter with Morocco is due to kick off this Friday at 11pm British time, followed by the Brazil clash at the same time on Wednesday next week. England's game against Croatia is at 9pm tonight, before the side captained by Harry Kane take on Ghana at the same time next Tuesday and then Panama at 10pm a week on Saturday. Research has suggested 2million Britons could claim 'sickies' this summer due to the World Cup - with tomorrow predicted to be among the days with most absences following England's opener.  England fans gather ahead of the Three Lions match outside of the stadium in Dallas on June 17, 2026 A wave of 'soft off days' is being anticipated, with a potential loss of 2.5million working days and £875million being wiped from from the UK economy as employees either claim days off or else work from home but paying little attention to work.  A survey found almost half of under-35s, 47 per cent, admit they will phone in sick after a late-night match. And, as 12.4 million Brits plan to head to pubs and bars to tune in to the event, more than a quarter of sociable fans - 27.5 - per cent will be taking a day off to recover from a hangover, according to the poll by VoucherCodes.co.uk. It was also suggested that 61 per cent would work from home if it means they can watch a match – with suggestions the number of 'soft off days’ could surge. The website's savings expert Clair Hughes said: 'This is the first time we've counted how many workers plan to pull a World Cup sickie – and it's clear to see that football fever is taking over the nation. 'And with this being England's first match, it looks like many fans aren't planning a full‑blown day off, but instead trialling the rising trend of a soft off‑day - meaning employers are mostly safe, even if productivity is set to take a noticeable dip. 'Of course we’re not encouraging anyone to skip work - but the data is clear. It shows just how many fans get swept up in the excitement once the tournament begins. 'And with late kick-offs, extra-time and penalty drama almost certainly on the cards, it’s easy to forget about alarm clocks set for the next morning.' She added that increased spending on 'extra pints' and 'hangover breakfasts' could see £3.8billion 'flowing' through pubs, cafes and supermarkets this summer'. She said: 'Whilst employers might need to brace for a bit of chaos, for everyone else, it’s all part of the fun. 'And if football doesn’t come home, at least the fans will - coffee in hand and quietly recovering from the night before.' The comments below have not been moderated. The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline. By posting your comment you agree to our house rules. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? 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