England fans draped in flags down pints as they get ready to cheer on Three Lions in first Euro 2024 clash with Serbia
THOUSANDS of England fans are gearing up to cheer on the Three Lions in their first Euros clash.
With 300,000 Brits travelling to Germany to watch the game, some are starting the celebrations early by sinking pints in the glorious sunshine.
England will begin their Euros campaign at 8pm tonight as Gareth Southgate leads his men out at Arena AufSchalke in Gelsenkirchen.
Three Lions fans in red and white have already descended on the German city with the sun beaming down.
Supporters were in high spirits as they looked forward to today’s game against Serbia.
Excited fans were spotted sinking pints on a glorious sunny day as the atmosphere for England’s opener ramped up.
And footy lovers were also seen singing songs arm-in-arm before the opening clash.
Many Three Lions fans were covered head to toe in England colours as they represented the country.
Stay-at-home fans will down an estimated 30 million pints in pubs and in their houses.
England have got achingly close to finally ending 58 years of hurt in the last few tournaments.
The side crashed out of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar following a 2-1 loss to France in the quarter finals.
It came just two years after the Three Lions heartbreakingly lost on penalties to Italy in a devastating Wembley final at Euro 2020.
England remain firm favourites in the competition but must first face Serbia, Denmark and Slovenia in their group.
Southgate has already faced questions after leaving a number of big names out of his squad – including Jack Grealish and Marcus Rashford.
Harry Maguire is also missing due to injury, while Arsenal ace Ben White, Chelsea‘s Raheem Sterling, Tottenham’s James Maddison and Jordan Henderson also failed to make the cut.
But Southgate’s men are boosted by the likes of Real Madrid‘s Jude Bellingham, Arsenal‘s Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka, City’s Kyle Walker and Phil Foden and star skipper Harry Kane.
Thirsty fans are expected to sink 300million pints during the tournament as they flock to pubs across the country.
The British Beer & Pub Association estimates pubs will pour an extra 20million pints worth £94million.
Brewery Greene King expects to sell seven million pints at its venues – including 37,000 pints tonight in London alone.
A £2.7bn spending spree is also predicted – surpassing the £2bn spent during the World Cup in Qatar – as fans take advantage of the sociable game times and warmer weather.
Those watching the Three Lions at home are expected to send supermarket sales soaring.
Tesco predicts it will flog 33million packs of beer and cider over the coming month.
While Asda is expecting to sell 14million units of Budweiser over the tournament.
The amount is enough to cover 3,000km – the distance from Leeds to Gelsenkirchen where England play their first game.
Jeff Moody, Commercial Director of Bira Group, said: “The Euros arriving in the summer months is fantastic timing for independent retailers after a challenging period.
“With favourable kick-off times aligning with the sunshine, we’re expecting pubs, hospitality businesses, convenience stores and electrical retailers in particular to cash in as fans flock to watch the matches.”
If the Three Lions do go on to lift the trophy on July 14, the squad has negotiated a bumper share of the £24million the FA will receive.
Stars such as captain Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham will share a £9.6million chunk of the prize pot.
Boss Southgate is in line for a £4million windfall, with assistant manager Steve Holland also promised a hefty bonus.
Sponsorship consultant Nigel Currie said Kane and co would rake in millions more in big money deals for the rest of their careers.