OXFORD pubgoers roared England on to a first Euros first semi-final for 25 years.
A double from captain Harry Kane, and goals from Harry Maguire and Jordan Henderson, gave the Three Lions a commanding 4-0 win over Ukraine.
Off the pitch, fans flocked to bars and pubs across Oxford to watch the game.
The Seacourt Bridge in Botley showed the match on three TVs inside the pub, as well as one in the beer garden, and another in an outside marquee.
Landlady Tracy Dennell was delighted with the win, and said the pub is already fully booked for Wednesday’s semi-final against Denmark.
She said: “England played really well and deserved to win – it’s coming home.”
She added that the Euros has provided extra business and revenue over the last three weeks, saying: “People have been coming in, not just for the England games, and with the Premier Inn opening across the road, it’s bringing in extra business for us.
“We’re really looking forward to Wednesday already, we’re already fully booked.”
Is it coming home? ⚽ We're at The Seacourt Bridge in Botley as fans across Oxford go to pubs with their fingers crossed for an England win #ENGUKR
— Oxford Mail (@TheOxfordMail) July 3, 2021
Oli Davies, 31, from Botley, said the tournament has had a positive impact on the community.
He said: “After the numerous lockdowns, it’s nice to be out and about with people again, and the Euros have brought people together.
“England’s performances are definitely what the country needs to get back to feeling good again.
“It was a solid performance and the atmosphere in the pub was wild – I couldn’t have asked for a better Saturday.
“We’ve got a table booked for Wednesday – it’s coming home.”
Meanwhile, Peter Rose, 29, from Botley, said the Euros is helping pubs across Oxford.
He said: “This is the first time I’ve been to a pub and seen the football since things opened up.
“It’s nice to see a physical community watching a game together and something I’ve very much missed.
“Pubs are the lifeline of our communities and it’s all very well saying football is just a game but it brings in the fans and helps the pubs flourish.”
Read more: Council praised for ‘brave Broad Meadow’
With punters out in force enjoying the game, it was tricky for staff to catch the action.
Keith Harris said: “I’ve barely seen any of it and I’ve watched all the England games back later on after they finish.
“The restrictions mean it’s all table service which needs more staff on, so catching the game is tricky.
“It’s been very busy since we reopened and from my point of view, the restrictions that are still in place are there so we don’t go backwards.
“We’re a pub with an elderly customer base and we take our responsibilities seriously.”
Milling in between the tables was pub dog Norman.
Ms Dennell said: “We’re dog friendly so people are more than welcome to bring their dogs in, and he wanders about – he makes such a good pub dog.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel