England face DR Congo at the UK time of 5pm on Wednesday and, after three late kick-offs including the 10pm for the Panama match, it means youngsters will be able to watch after school
England’s teatime kick-off against DR Congo will allow young cubs to cheer on the Three Lions.
The late starts for matches in the group stages meant many younger fans missed watching Harry Kane and co in action live – unless their parents allowed them a very late bedtime. That was especially true for England’s first two games against Croatia and Ghana with 9pm kick-offs on school days.
However, the fact that England’s last 32 clash begins at 5pm means youngsters can enjoy the game after school finishes.
Chris Spratt, headteacher at Loudwater Combined School in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, said his pupils can’t wait. Mr Spratt, whose pupils range in age from four to 11, said: “The children are really, really excited about the game and about the World Cup in general.”
The school has weaved the tournament into its lessons, from a focus on different regions of the globe to having special visitors come in, including someone who was at England’s 1966 triumphant World Cup final. Meanwhile, Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha was used as the subject of self belief in one assembly.
Some pupils have asked to come in on Wednesday wearing England kit ahead of the game. “I’ve said we will leave that until we reach to the final,” was confident Mr Spratt’s reply. Could he relent if England get to the quarters or the semis? “I am easily persuaded”, he admitted.
While 5pm works for schoolkids, many workers will be hoping bosses allow them to clock off to get home or to the pub on time. Experts reckons some won’t leave it to chance and will bunk off early.
Others will be relying on streaming to what the action, either as discreetly as possible at their desks or on the way home.
Discount website Vouchercodes is predicting 3.5 million people will watch the match from pubs and bars, while 11.2 million will watch from home.
Fans are expected to spend £276.3million in shop with the large majority of this – £157.1million – going on snacks and drinks. On the other hand, a more modest £64.8million will go to the hospitality sector from fans dashing to the pubs post-work.
