How pubs reacted to England v Croatia on social media
Although a 2-1 defeat to Croatia denied England their first World Cup final on foreign shores, the new look and feel to the England national side had enthralled millions across the country.
Pubs have been celebrated for their lively and positive atmospheres as Gareth Southgate and his young lions exceeded expectations by navigating a group containing Panama, Tunisia and eventual semi-finalists Belgium, winning their first ever World Cup penalty shoot-out (against Colombia), and handily dispatched a sturdy Swedish side to reach the final four.
Jack Wright, manager of HQ Sports Bar in Dunstable, Bedfordshire said: "Every England game we have been full to capacity turning away hundreds of people. We’ve also been known for a bit of beer throwing so as you can imagine the trading was up massively!
"I wish I could describe the atmosphere. It’s something you have to be there to really take it all in. We have viral videos and photos but they just don’t do the place justice."
He added that there was a good-natured response to the full time whistle. "Everyone clapped the England team. They sang one last song and then everyone left peacefully. It was fantastic to see."
Wesley Deaton of the Alma in Islington, London, added: "The pub was fully booked for the semi final as soon as the the last penalty kick against the Swedish.
"We put more screens up and had one in the garden with a new amp and speakers due to customer feedback , they wanted it loud!
"I have been in the pub game for 25 years (in New York, Dublin and Manchester) and have never experienced such an atmosphere.
"It's sad to see England out but everyone is very happy with their performance and we have plenty of bookings for the third place match with Belgium."
Here's a look at the response to England's first World Cup semi-final in 28 years from the pub industry on social media.
There is no place like @TheOastHouseMcr Come on England!! pic.twitter.com/pePh6YbVLW
— Chris Hill (@ChrishillC) July 11, 2018
For the first time in most of our staffs life time's we have a team to be proud of @England@FIFAWorldCup#westillbelievepic.twitter.com/lbWjdC1D8E
— Dark Horse Moseley (@DarkHorseMosele) July 12, 2018
Well done England; a valiant effort from our terrific team! Nursing a sore head from the aftermath? We prescribe a tasty breakfast and a strong dose of much-needed caffeine ☕ #RiseAndShine#WorldCuppic.twitter.com/hSptujfFMC
— The Bishop (@bishopkingston) July 12, 2018
Scenes in @Walkchelmsford
— Walkabout (@Walkabout) July 11, 2018
England 1-0 Croatia#england#football#worldcup2018pic.twitter.com/etg0PuoSJ5
1-0!!!!!!
— HQ Sports Bar (@HQSportsBar1) July 11, 2018
KIERAN TRIPPIER TOP BINS OH MY GOD!!!! #ENG #ThreeLions #ItsComimgHome@englandpic.twitter.com/I8woh2xj1n
Football has come home.. After years of hating watching England play I've had the excitement, pride & joy of cheering on England at a tournament return! We've got a manager to love after a long line of nobodies and an actual team who play together! #Eng#footballscomehome
— Matt Chinnery (@HalfPintGent) July 12, 2018
Gutted. Proud. Keep supporting England (and Scotland & Wales & Northern Ireland!). Keep on supporting and frequenting #pubs!
— British Pub Confed (@GBPubConfed) July 11, 2018
It’s been a helluva ride #thankyou#england#WorldCupSemiFinal#ENGCROpic.twitter.com/8BVClvd3P5
— The Bull Ditchling (@ditchlingbull) July 11, 2018
So #football seems to be the topic this week and we’ve got into the spirit of it and as with everything we do, we like to support local so we are delighted to now be a sponsor plus beer provider for @PeckhamTownFC#supportlocal#WorldCup
— Brick Brewery SE15 (@brick_brewery) July 12, 2018
We’re devastated. But #ENG have been incredible, so we created a song to celebrate their massive effort! Introducing “Two Games Away”. #ThreeLions#WorldCuphttps://t.co/hjySxtteT5
— Studio 88 (@Studio88bar) July 12, 2018
Everyone’s talking about last night! But @England you did well and did us proud! Next time! #England#WorldCup18#Russia2018pic.twitter.com/zoLrbNyByb
— Duke On The Green (@DukeGreenSW6) July 12, 2018
It may not have been the result we were craving, but the journey was wild. Thank you all so much for sharing it with us and creating an unbeatable atmosphere in your local pub. Some would say it’s what we are made for pic.twitter.com/MfY3WKIMrA
— McMullen's Brewery (@McMullens1827) July 12, 2018
