Are we dreaming? We’ve only gone and done it! England have beaten the Netherlands 2-1 (Wednesday, July 10) to seal a place in the UEFA Euro final in Berlin. No one thought we’d make it this far. Maybe before the tournament, sure, but after watching three turgid group games? It was surely over the moment we entered the knockout stages.
But, by some miracle and magic (aka Jude Bellingham and Bukayo Saka), we’re somehow in our second Euros final in as many tournaments. The nation is dreaming again. Can you hear the sound of “Looking back on when we first met, I cannot escape and I cannot forget…” echoing out from the streets already?
But, as the saying goes, it’s the hope that kills you… Many of us still remember that dreadful night against Italy that saw England lose on penalties in 2021. But at least many Tesco workers will have something to smile about no matter the outcome.
Tesco will close all its stores early on Sunday, July 14. There are well over 2,000 Tesco Express stores in the UK (Tesco Metros will be closed anyway), but this only applies to stores in England. Tesco will close these stores at 7.30pm instead of 10pm or 11pm – just in time to get home (or down the pub) for the 8pm kick-off of the Euros final against Spain.
The best part? Staff will get paid the same. So even if you hate football and can’t stand to watch it, you’ll still get the evening off without worrying about a dent in your payslip. Just don’t overdo it if we win. All stores will reopen as usual the following morning, likely from 6am or 7am.
A win on Sunday is a big challenge. Spain have been the team of the tournament – with Dani Olmo and Lamine Yamal its star performers – and England, well, we’ve been anything but. Still, stranger things have happened… like Jude Bellingham scoring an overhead in the 95th minute!? Or a last-minute strike from Ollie Watkins (who was playing for Weston super Mare 10 years ago)!?
History is on our side too, with England beating Spain both times the two teams have met at a European Championship. The first time was in 1980 when England beat Spain 2-1 in Naples. They met again in 1996 with England winning on penalties after a goalless draw – the same tournament where Gareth infamously missed a penalty to send England home.
“We will be cheering on the Three Lions tonight against the Netherlands and hope they reach a second successive Euros final,” said Kevin Tindall, Tesco’s managing director of UK stores. “We appreciate just how much this would mean to so many of our colleagues, and we want them to be able to celebrate with their family and friends.”
And don’t worry, if you’ve put an online order in for Sunday evening, this will still be delivered.
Come on England!