With hours to go before kick-off in the World Cup semi-final, England fans are already on the beers in Benidorm. Bars began filling up at 2pm local time — seven hours before Thomas Tuchel’s side face Argentina at the Atlanta Stadium, the scene of England’s last-32 comeback victory over DR Congo. Thousands of supporters are expected to descend on the area nicknamed “England Square”, hoping to see the team reach its first World Cup final in 60 years.
At Uncle Ted’s British Pub, fans are enjoying a cold beer in the 40°C heat while anticipating the game. Gary Carr, from Leeds, predicted a 2-1 win: “This is my first lager of the day. I’ll take a break, but I’ll be back at tea time to get my seat.” Stoke City fan Anthony Rathbone, showing off his England tattoo, joked: “I’ve been here since midday, it’s not my first. I might have a nap later, but if I hold up I’ll keep going.” He tipped a 3-1 victory, with Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and Nico O’Reilly on the scoresheet.
“England fans fill Benidorm bars hours before World Cup semi-final against Argentina at Atlanta Stadium.”
Friends Liam Allum and Ricky Cropper flew out to Spain to help pal Sean Anderson celebrate his 30th birthday. Sean said: “It’s my birthday celebration, we planned it all and were just praying England reach the semi-final. We all worked our holidays around it. It’s a double bubble.” Liam was less confident: “I think it’ll be a close game, 2-2 then penalties. I’ve a horrible feeling that things will go Argentina’s way again, but I hope not.” Sean predicted 2-0 and Ricky said 1-0. Ricky added: “We’ll carry on through, but we’ll pace ourselves.” Sean chipped in: “It’s part and parcel of being in Benidorm, you’ve got to get on with it.” He said: “It’s coming home. I’m more confident than I was in the Euros. I think we’ve got the edge to get it over the line. England have got the ability to turn it on.”
An increased police presence is expected on the streets of the holiday hotspot as part of a huge World Cup security crackdown. A spokesman for Benidorm Town Council confirmed: “Both local police employed by the town hall and National Police will reinforce afternoon and night-time shifts from the competition’s start and end dates.”
For England fans in Benidorm, the wait for a first World Cup final in six decades continues. The outcome of tonight’s clash will determine whether they celebrate or drown their sorrows — but for now, the beers are flowing.