PUBLICANS and bar managers across Brighton and Hove are filled with excitement and a degree of trepidation ahead of England’s semi-final against Denmark today.

It is the first Euro semi-final for the Three Lions in 25 years.

Many venues across the city that are broadcasting the match are fully booked for both the semi-final and Sunday’s final where England would play either Spain or Italy if they see off the Danes.

“We were fully booked for Wednesday by half-time of the Ukraine match, and they’ve all subsequently booked for the Sunday as well,” Jamie and Sarah Davies of The Cleveland Arms said.

The Argus: England manager Gareth SouthgateEngland manager Gareth Southgate

“There’s a lot of expectation and anticipation for the game.We’re all looking forward to it.

“It’s great for business if England go through, great morale for the country, and great for hospitality coming out of the pandemic.

“We’re really positive. It’s the first bit of good news we’ve had for over 12 months.”

Ben Pistor of the West Hill Tavern said the city is full of anticipation ahead of the match.

He said: “We’re really really excited. There’s a big buzz in the air across the neighbourhood and we can’t wait.”

“It is great to see England do so well.”

Ye Olde King and Queen had been forced to close for England’s match against Germany due to a positive test for coronavirus. Ensuring that they are able to be open for the subsequent England matches has added an extra workload during an already busy time, Mark explained.

He added: “I still have a lot of people away on quarantine, I’ve had to employ new people to cover the shifts and I’m having to work 20 hour days just to get through.”

However, despite the challenge, he is also very excited about the match.

He said: “I think it’s going to be a great game. The fans are going to love it, and we are the number one sports venue in Brighton.

“Fans were in very, very early for the Ukraine game, which is a great response for us. It was a lovely feeling all day long.”

Assistant manager of The Ladies Mile, Katie Moss, said that the atmosphere for the previous games was great.

Happy

She said: “With everything that has been going on over the last year with Covid, it’s nice that everyone’s happy and we’re hoping it all goes well and that something great comes out of it. The previous matches were incredible.”

Mark Harmsworth of The Font said he’s very excited at what is likely to be a cracking game, especially with so much at stake and England fans keeping their fingers crossed. When asked if it’s coming home, Mark responded “We will have to wait and see.”