HUNDREDS of supporters are set to crowd into a Worcester bar for an “energetic and chaotic time” cheering on England in their World Cup clash with Mexico.
Mode Sports Bar & Grill in the city centre has taken bookings for 80 per cent of its tables despite the game kicking off at 1am UK time on Monday.
Sir Keir Starmer announced on Thursday that premises across England and Wales will be able to stay open until 5am to screen the last-16 tie.
Alfie Ward, Mode’s senior venue supervisor, expects up to 600 people through the doors in Angel Place to see the game on around 28 wide screens.
He said: “We’re expecting fans to turn up regardless of the early morning kick-off because we’ve got the main room as well as a massive garden with huts which will make it a great atmosphere.
“We’re down to our final few table bookings as the kick-off time hasn’t put people off.
“It’s going to be energetic and chaotic, with beer going everywhere and massive celebrations if England score.
READ MORE: World Cup: Worcester’s Mode bar preps for England vs Panama
SUPPORT: Fans have been watching England’s progress at Mode in Worcester city centre (Image: Mode Sports Bar)
“All the staff will get in on the action too.
“Most people are booking the day off work or going in with a hangover because it’s going to be a heavy one.”
All 60 indoor tables at The Talbot in Barbourne Road have been snapped up for the England game in Mexico City.
The Greene King pub will again be hosting fans following a packed turnout for the group phase and round of 32 victory over the Democratic Republic of Congo.
A spokesperson for the Talbot said: “We’re proud to be a hub for football supporters this World Cup tournament and offer a space where fans can come together and celebrate each win.
“There’s nothing quite like a pub atmosphere, and we invite locals to join us for the upcoming England vs Mexico fixture.
“Book a table online, in person or via the Greene King app to secure your spot.”
READ MORE: England’s World Cup tie in Mexico to kick-off at scheduled time
MESSAGE: England fans at the World Cup (Image: Nick Potts)
Other pubs in the county opening for the game include the Barn Owl in Warndon, the Brunswick Arms in St John’s, the Castle in Droitwich Spa and the Strawberry Field in Evesham.
The Barn Owl is advertising booked tables only with the chance to watch across seven big screens with full surround sound and food being served until midnight.
The 1am kick-off is going ahead after FIFA U-turned on a plan to shift it forward by six hours.
The fixture at Mexico City Stadium was set to be moved to 7pm tomorrow (Sunday) but football’s governing body then decided against this, according to the BBC.
Concerns about storms forecast around the stadium were behind the proposed change in kick-off time.
Pubs can open longer because the Home Secretary has the legislative power to extend licensing hours on occasions of “exceptional international, national or local significance”.
This follows extensions already granted for England’s earlier games that kicked off up until 10pm.
*Are you watching or hosting the game? Maybe you’re going to the real thing. Let us know in the comments below or at joshua.layton@newsquest.co.uk