Brits expected to sink 15 MILLION pints as Three Lions take on Senegal tonight

England fans hit the beers early this morning and continued throughout the day as Gareth Southgate’s men prepare to take on Senegal in Doha tonight.

MailOnline spoke to punters in boozers across Britain to gauge the excitement and anticipation just hours before the Three Lions take to the field later today, with a whopping 15 million pints expected to be sunk across the country.

James, 43, from Birmingham, speaking to MailOnline from a Wetherspoon’s in Victoria, London, said: ‘It’s going to be a very tough game. They are a very physical team Senegal are, it’s going to be a very tough game. 

‘We need to play Phil Foden and Marcus Rashford,’ he added. ‘We need the same team that wins, like the last game. I am super excited, I think we are going to win and I’m predicting a 2-1 win to England. We are going to win the World Cup — it’s coming home.’

Andy Shephard, 54, soaking up the pre-match atmosphere at The Wellington in Waterloo, London, seemed less confident in England’s chances later in the competition: ‘I am looking forward to the match tonight, I think it will be a bit of a tough game but I reckon we will get a decent win. I think we will get a 2-1 win in extra time, that’s my prediction. 

‘I am not sure we can win right now, it depends on how the France and Poland match goes right now. If France beats Poland I am not sure we’ll get through.’

At The George pub, in Croydon, England flags were almost hidden among fairy lights, baubles and festive wreaths as supporters gathered for the last 16 game against Senegal.

Nathan Hurley, 25, said: ‘What better Christmas present than England lifting the World Cup? Although there may be more chance of Santa squeezing down my chimney on Christmas Eve!

‘I’m looking forward to it, but I’m a bit nervy as well because Senegal won the last Africa Cup of Nations and have got a lot of quality.

‘But so do we and England have progressed bit-by-bit under Gareth Southgate, we’ve had a semi-final, a final so now we just need to actually win something!’

Glenn Fisk, 63, from Haywards Heath, Sussex, joked: ‘It’s bizarre watching the match with Christmas decorations on the wall and I think this is the coldest I’ve ever been for an England World Cup game – but I’m hoping the lads will warm our spirits later.

‘It’s going to be a tight game, but I think we may nick it 2-1. Hopefully, the confidence within the team is high and we can reach the quarter finals.’ 

Luke Streeter, 36, from East Grinstead, Sussex added: ‘I’ve really enjoyed this World Cup so far because there’s been so many surprises and it’s not just been the established sides who have gone through to the later stages.

‘England were pretty good in the group, we qualified with the best record so we’ve obviously got the talent and ability, but this is knockout football and anything can happen. We need to keep cool heads.

‘Rashford for me is looking brighter than he did at last year’s Euros so I think he may well be our key man tonight.’

Chris Kingdon, Ian Davis, Brian Allen, Michael Ball, all in their 50s from Abingdon, had found a table early Sunday in Victoria. 

Chris was somewhat pessimistic, saying: ‘Can’t see England getting to the final, semi-finals they will get to though.’

He added: ‘We knew we were going to beat Wales the other day but I am not sure we have played with the quality to go through to the final yet. If we get through tonight and play France that will be great.’ 

But Ian offered a more positive outlook: ‘They will win tonight’s match, 2-1 prediction. 

‘The team does seem to be like a big family. But whatever Southgate does people knock him, they build him up and knock him down, despite what he’s achieved but that’s football.

‘They need to play Foden tonight, and Rashford. Once he gets Foden back in it will be alright.’

Kim Gibson, 38, from Newcastle at The Gloucester in Knightsbridge, told MailOnline: ‘I think it will probably be a 2-1 win, and I’d love to see Trippier out there as I’m a Newcastle supporter. Rooting for the home lads to be on there.

‘I’d love to see them go the whole way but it’s such an uncomfortable competition I’m unsure. I am just going to watch in hope.’

Rob Henney, 30, who is the general manager of the Paxton’s Head in Belgravia said: ‘I’m feeling quite positive. I think we are going to do very well and we will progress. I think tonight we will win about 3-1. 

‘We are fully booked out in here tonight. People are going to be able to watch it on all three floors. It’s been crazy so far and now the knock out stages are underway it’s getting even busier. 

‘I’d like to see England get through to the semis, I think that it would be a good achievement after getting to the finals of the Euros but I would obviously like to see us go all the way this time.’

Moeen, 34, from London: ‘I think England really needs to buck up for this game. They need to do something outside the box to win because so far they haven’t been aggressive and no one has really been scared of England. 

‘Things have been going very easily for them. England has to be smart tonight, they haven’t had very strong competition so far in the world cup. Hopefully they will win this and get through to the last eight, and after that it’s anyone’s game really. 

‘I think England has a chance of winning 2-1, I think that it’ll be very close but let’s hope it goes our way.’

Pino Dervishi, 40, also from London, added: ‘Tonight England are going to win against Senegal because [Senegal’s] main player Mané won’t be playing. I think it will be quite an easy win, we will see them go through to play against France. 

‘Then whoever gets through out of England and France will win the World Cup. If England beat France they’ll go the final and win.’ 

Pubs, bars and eateries will be rammed as punters pile in for tonight’s last-16 clash against the Lions of Taranga.

Experts predict a bumper £22m will be spent in the nation’s pubs and up to £175m in supermarkets for matchday essentials today. 

Some £53m will be spent on new TVs and electricals, £34,7 on sportswear and £11.2m on souvenirs, according to a vouchercodes.co.uk World Cup Spending Report.

The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) said pub-goers will guzzle 15 million pints today, with thousands expected to have booked off work tomorrow.

Around £94m is expected to be spent across the whole hospitality sector. 

Matt Todd, who runs the Wonston Arms in the Hampshire hamlet of Wonston, near Winchester, said a successful England World Cup run would be an ‘early Christmas present’ for small pubs.

The CAMRA pub-of-the-year has been a public house since the 1800s but faced an uncertain future during the pandemic, where it was unable to open for months because it does not serve food.

Mr Todd, 54, said: ‘The World Cup is running over what would normally be our quietest weeks of the year.

‘The first three England games saw our sales 320% up on this time last year.

‘A good cup run will mean tills ringing louder and longer for me as a publican. The knockouts will drive more people into pubs craving that big match atmosphere.

‘Our cellar is stocked full of beer for tonight and the phone has not stopped ringing with people wanting seats.

‘It feels like this one is going to be a whopper — and it’s only the last 16.’ 

At Rossiter’s Organic Butchers in Birmingham, punters were lining up to buy special Bellingham bangers, named after the England prodigy. 

The sausages – which contain Gloucester old spot pork spiced with pepper and chilli – were the brainchild of master butcher Steve Rossiter, 55.

Bellingham played for Birmingham City before making a big-money move to German club Borussia Dortmund in 2020.

Blues fan Steve, 55, said: ‘Everyone loves the Bellingham bangers — except for the Aston Villa fans.

‘The sausages have a peppery kick to them — and we hope Jude will be peppering the Senegalese goal.

‘Jude is a proper West Midlands lad and we are all so proud of how far he has gone.’

The Chestergate pub in Stockport meanwhile has changed its name to The Southgate in honour of the England boss. 

Pub manager Stephanie Armstrong, 34, is expecting a full house well before the 7pm kick off.

She said: ‘There’s going to be a brilliant atmosphere in here. I can’t wait.

‘We’ve got loads of screens showing the footie and we’ve ordered extra beer in. It’s not going to be a usual Sunday night.’

According to data consultancy CGA Insight, England’s first World Cup game with Iran netted an 62% uplift in beer sales.

Spending in pubs, bars and clubs rose by 20.5% for the Wales game compared with the same day in 2021.

UK Hospitality chief executive Kate Nicholls said: ‘Big, televised sporting events always provide a boost to pubs and this comes at a particularly helpful time, as businesses struggle to cover rising costs and footfall decreases with consumers tightening their spending.

‘Pubs will be putting in a huge amount of time, effort and resource to offer the ideal place to watch the football but many are still suffering from a lack of staff, so we’d encourage all visitors to be patient with bar staff while they work during one of the busiest times of the year.’

Emma McClarkin, Chief Executive of the British Beer and Pub Association said: ‘Pubs were hoping for a boost to business during this World Cup and so far, the beer has been flowing, and fans have been showing up to cheer on England.

‘The tournament has been filling up pubs on days that otherwise might be quieter, and we’re hoping that trend continues in the next couple of weeks.

‘It’s been a tough year for our industry, and we know people are feeling the pinch but we’re really hoping fans continue to turn out to support two great British institutions by toasting to the Three Lions at their local pub. We’ll be keeping everything crossed because when England do well, so do our pubs!’

In Doha, England fans started gathering early in bars located in and around the city’s four and five star hotels as they knocked back the pints in preparation for the last 16 knock out clash while others hit the city’s malls for some shopping and to enjoy the air conditioning.

Tim Reed, 63 from Ipswich, Suffolk said: ‘We’re going to win 2-1. I’m really looking forward to the match and am getting very excited about it.

‘The only problem is that I’m supposed to fly home after the game so if England do get to the quarter-finals I might have to fly back. It’s been a fantastic tournament so far and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it.’

Kevin Cassidy, 43 from Leeds said: ‘I follow England all over the world and at last we’re looking like a team that can win something. We’ve come close recently but this time I think we’re going to do it.

‘My prediction is a 2-1 victory. But whatever happens it’s been a fantastic experience being in Qatar. I’ve loved every minute of it.’

His friend Darren Sutcliffe, 55 also from Leeds added: ‘I’m not feeling as confident as some of the other England fans but I think we’ll win on penalties.

‘There’s not going to be as many England fans in the ground as there normally are at big games so it’s going to feel a bit strange. But I’m praying that it’s going to be a great night.’

At the Cabana Hop Garden in the Radisson Blu Hotel in Doha, some England supporters said their side should have ‘too much’ for the African nation, with one adding: ‘I don’t think there’s anyone to fear’.

Hayden Smith, 27, from Essex, told the PA news agency: ‘I’m really nervous for the game, I want to get it done, get through to the quarters and beat France as well.’

Joe Parker, 26, also from Essex, who was enjoying a drink with Mr Smith ahead of the match, was more cautious, saying: ‘He thinks 4-0 but I think it’ll go to penalties… I’d be very nervous at that point.’

Meanwhile, Senegalese football fans based in the UK have decided where their loyalties lie as they gear up for Sunday’s World Cup clash which will send either Senegal or England out of the tournament.

The Three Lions’ 3-0 win over Wales secured them a spot in the knockout stages against Senegal, who became group A runners-up with a 2-1 victory over Ecuador on Tuesday.

Veronique Sow is from Senegal and will support them against England but has lived in Sutton, south London, for five years and said she expects ‘a very tough match’ on Sunday, which her close friend and the team’s injured star, Sadio Mane, is set to miss.

‘He’s very sad because the World Cup is a very, very big competition,’ the 31-year-old, who works for music streaming company Deezer, told the PA news agency.

‘He’s our best player… But we are doing quite well without him. And that’s why everyone is shocked because we are playing very well without him.

‘Whatever the outcome of the match, I will be happy because Senegal is my country and England is my adoptive country.’

Ms Sow and Mane first met when she was working for the Senegalese Football Federation 10 years ago.

She is in Qatar and has tickets for Sunday’s match, which she believes will go to penalties after a 1-1 draw before Senegal clinch a spot in the quarter-finals.

Ms Sow explained that her husband, who is British, will also support Senegal – but maintained England will gain her support if they triumph.

‘It’s definitely my second home because when the competition started, I was sharing pictures of England and Senegal as well,’ she said.

‘I support Senegal and England but for this game, I have made a choice and I will support Senegal. If we lose, I will come back and then support England for the rest of the World Cup.’

Aziz Ndiaye, 52, is also from Senegal but holds dual citizenship as he has lived in the UK since 1996 when he came to study at the University of Westminster.

Mr Ndiaye, an accountant based in Greenwich, told PA he is ‘pretty confident’ Senegal will win but described conflicting family ties as his 11-year-old son, Jules, will back England.

‘He might not have supper, depending on the results,’ Mr Ndiaye joked.

‘I would rather not play (England) because they are my two countries, but it’s football.

‘I’m feeling pretty confident, even though we’ve been given 1% of a winning chance against England.’

Mr Ndiaye added that if Senegal were to exit the competition, he would support England.

He has not yet decided where he will watch the match — which he predicts will finish 2-1 to Senegal — but said many of his Senegalese friends in London will tune in.

‘People are very excited,’ he said. ‘Hopefully there will be a good turnout… I’ve got my Senegal shirt here, I’ve also got my flag ready. Bring on Sunday.’

Faty Kane, who is Senegalese and lives in Whitley Bay near Newcastle, told PA she is ‘totally confident’ Senegal will beat England.

‘We are the African champions so it would be sad if we were to go out so soon,’ the 39-year-old founder of womenswear label Tarunah said.

‘I think we will have to show that we are not the African champions for nothing.’

Mrs Kane thinks it will be 1-0 to Senegal but hopes her team scores even more goals.

Despite being sad star player Sadio Mane is injured, she said: ‘I am totally confident that they will win, especially after their performance in their last game.’

Mrs Kane said her husband Steve, 41, who works for a charity, is British and whose family is from Scotland, is a ‘proper football fanatic’ and will want England to win.

However, he will ‘still be happy’ if Senegal win and his family are supporting the Senegalese team.

As for the couple’s children, Mrs Kane said they have a fairly diplomatic stance, saying ‘we want England and Senegal to win’.

‘They were quite loyal to the Senegalese team and then when we told them that Senegal would play England, they did not know who to support – I think they just want both teams to win,’ she added.

Their children share their names with two of Senegal’s top players.

Daughter Sadio, four, shares her name with Mane and son Kalidou, three, shares his name with captain Kalidou Koulibaly.

The family will tune into the match wearing their football shirts and waving flags and, despite saying there is no chance of a rivalry brewing, Mrs Kane said she might need to think of a bet against her family if her match prediction comes true.

Senegal fans in central Doha prepared for their World Cup game against England by performing traditional dances and singing their own version of ‘It’s coming home’.

Dozens of supporters of the West African country staged a Sanbar dance which is performed for good luck ahead of major events.

Senegal’s fans are known as the ’12th man’ because of their vociferous and colourful support of the team, who are nicknamed ‘The Lions of Teranga.’

Antonia Seck, 26 from Dakar said: ‘We’re getting ready for the big game in the same way we would prepare for a wedding or any other celebration. That’s because after the match against England, we will be celebrating.’

Her friend Georgia Diop, 28 added: ‘We love to dance and sing in Senegal. It’s going to be a great game and we will win.’