Is it truly coming home?
First there comes denial — “nah, we’re not winning it, mate” — then the ball hits the back of Croatia’s net on a sunny June afternoon and that’s it. Maybe this is the time, you say, before a lethargic 0-0 draw gives you a reality check, and the prospect of a round-of-sixteen fixture against Germany looms.
Back to Step One we go — “we never beat Germany”. But 7pm arrives and you open your eyes smiling in a sticky, beer-soaked dreamland as Raheem Sterling and Harry Kane deliver the impossible. Then a convincing 4-0 thrashing of Ukraine in the quarter-final leaves us more delirious than, well, the last time this all happened in 2018…
Now, Denmark stand in the way of England and a first ever European Championship final tie, against either Spain or Italy. No panicking, everyone. Maybe it is coming home?
Regardless of whether England make it to the hallowed ground (I’m sure not going to be the one to jinx anything), you’ll be able to rest easy knowing the pub sure aren’t kicking you out.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has confirmed that pub opening times have been extended for the final on Sunday, July 11, meaning if the tie does go to extra-time and *gulps* penalties, you’ll all keep your spots on the edge of your seats. A 45-minute grace period has been granted to all pubs across the nation to ensure this.
A No 10 source reportedly told The Sun: “As the entire nation comes together to enjoy the Euros final on Sunday, we’re putting extra time on licenses so fans can watch the whole game without fear of being kicked out before it’s over.
“And we’re backing England to make it there.”
So whether it’s SecretCity’s Fan Park, The Oast House, or your trusty local boozer, you’ll be guaranteed to catch every minute of the huge game. No pressure then, England.