July 12 – Preparations for Sunday’s Euro 2024 final are reaching fever pitch in England with pubs and bars set for a bonanza and airlines scrambling to meet last-minute demands.
Pubs across the country are expected to do a roaring trade ahead of the final against Spain while those with deep pockets are scouring for flights to Berlin or nearby cities as they try to secure last-minute tickets or even a place in the fan zone.
At home, with the weather gods promising some long overdue sunshine, high street retailers expect food and drink sales to rocket as fans stock up for barbecues and parties. Those who prefer a pub atmosphere have rushed to book seats at venues showing the game.
For fanatics with their hearts set on a seat in the Olympiastadion hoping to see football finally come home, according to search results on Skyscanner there were no direct flights available Saturday or Sunday to Berlin.
Travel experts said connecting flights on Sunday morning via Frankfurt on Lufthansa, returning on Monday via Vienna on Austrian Airlines, were currently the best air option, coming in at just under £800.
In the hours after Wednesday’s semi-final, BA said it saw a 1,000% increase in searches for flights to Berlin on its website. “We’re currently looking at putting on additional flights and changing the aircraft type to bigger jets to accommodate as many fans as possible over the coming days,” said Neil Chernoff, its chief planning and strategy officer.
Pubs will be allowed to extend their opening hours on Sunday until 1am to see whether England can make history by winning their first ever major trophy on overseas soil.
After four forgettable games, Gareth Southgate’s team improved against the Swiss, stepped it up further against the Netherlands in the semi-final and head to Berlin buoyed by at last showing what they are capable of.
There is an argument to suggest that the longer they stayed in the tournament, the more they were bound to shine eventually. Spain may be favourites on paper but the best teams don’t always win major tournaments, whether the Euros or the World Cup.
After vying with France as the competition’s most disappointing side given the resources available, England’s front line have suddenly hit their stride and recaptured their renowned fearless streak. Southgate’s team also have a depth of talent as Ollie Watkins’ stunning winner against the Dutch proved.
Spain, the great entertainers, may have the form and the freedom but the momentum is possibly with England as they aim to finally bury the tag of also-rans and end the jinx of no major men’s trophy for over half a century.
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