Pubs and clubs hope to score with interest in Lionesses
ENGLAND are in the final of another major international football tournament tomorrow – but the mood will be a little more subdued from last year when the men lost to Italy in the final of Euro 2020.
This time it is the turn of England’s women to go for glory, and some pubs are looking to cash in on the public interest.
The KGV is hoping that some people will come down to watch the game, but there will be no big screen.
‘There were quite a few people here to watch the quarter-final,’ said facilities manager Stuart Le Prevost.
‘We had Leisure Leagues on that evening and a lot of the people playing in that came up to watch afterwards.
‘I am told that we did also have some people come down for the semi-final as well. Unfortunately there will not be a big screen to show the final.
‘But we have advertised on social media that we will are showing the women’s final, and the kitchen will be open so people can get food.’
Bar manager Sarah de Carteret was in upbeat mood, however. ‘We will be roaring for the Lionesses and can’t wait to see them bring it home,’ she said.
The 1857 Sports Lounge at Kings will be showing the game on its 12ft big screen, with surround sound and a special drinks promotion.
‘We have had a little bit of interest for the women’s Euros,’ said club manager Sean Mills. ‘The further England have progressed, the more interest we have had. We are hoping that Sunday will be the biggest turnout yet.’
Members and non-members are welcome, but must book ahead, he said.
The Red Lion, the Cock and Bull and the Captains are among the pubs that have advertised showing the Euros.
At least one local football fan will be giving England his full support from Wembley.
Andy Brown bought tickets for the game six months ago. He said he was ‘extremely excited’ to see the Lionesses in action once again.
‘I went to the World Cup in France and have carried on following the team since then,’ he said.
‘I think that women’s football has definitely got more popular recently, every time I turn on the TV or the radio I see something about it, which is great.
‘One thing I have found at women’s football games is that the atmosphere is fantastic. I was able to go to the England v Norway game earlier in the tournament and it was a very different experience to the one you get at men’s games – people were so much more friendly and welcoming.’
