World Cup 2010 fans await England game against USA

BBC

England, 12 June 2010: Millions of people across the UK are expected to watch the England football team’s first match at the World Cup, against the United States, later.

The British Beer and Pub Association expects nearly four million fans to head to pubs and big screens have been set up for public viewing.

In a video message of support for the team, Prime Minister David Cameron said: "Come on England".

The match, to be played in Rustenburg, South Africa, will start at 1930 BST.

England manager Fabio Capello has said he will not reveal who will be in his team until two hours before the game kicks off.
Members of the public will be able to watch the game on big screens in a number of areas across the UK such as Millennium Square, in Leeds, and the Hammersmith Appollo, in west London.

And up to 3,000 people will be able to watch the game on big screens at Great Notley Country Park, in Essex.

Meanwhile, US servicemen and women based at Mildenhall airbase will be cheering on their countrymen.

The British Beer and Pub Association has predicted that nearly four million fans flocking to pubs is likely to generate a £35m sales boost, with an extra nine million pints of beer sold.

And supermarkets are expecting their busiest day since Christmas.

Sainsbury’s said it had prepared for a 500% increase in pizza and pint glass sales.

In addition to his video message, Mr Cameron gave his backing to the FA’s England Football Day campaign, which aims to encourage more people to take an interest in the game.

The prime minister said: "I want to wish the England team and Fabio Capello every piece of good luck for the whole of the World Cup, but starting with tonight’s vital game against the United States of America.

"I keep saying we are all in this together, and that is particularly true when cheering on the England team."

The prime minister also agreed that the England flag would fly over Downing Street for the duration of the World Cup.