Pubs Lose Out After England's World Cup Exit

As England fans take down their flags after a bitterly disappointing World Cup, businesses have started to count the cost of an early exit.

According to the British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA), estimates have been slashed for the benefits its members gain from the game against Costa Rica.

It comes as England bow out early from the World Cup, after suffering defeats from Italy and Uruguay – and Costa Rica’s two wins against others in Group D mean mathematically that the Three Lions’ campaign has ended.

The BBPA said it expected 2 million fans to watch the final game in pubs – down 43% from a forecast 3.5 million if England had hopes of progression.

It said an extra 4 million pints of beer would be sold, down a third on an original calculation of 6 million pints.

It also forecast the total extra turnover for the game would hit £15m, whereas the original estimate was double at £30m.

In comparison, the BBPA said that during England’s first game – against Italy – £20m was spent in bars and pubs.

A 50% increase in pubgoers was also estimated for the Italy game, with some 3 million people watching it in licensed venues.

They also supped 6 million extra pints during the first game, according to the BBPA.

But some firms have seen benefits from the early shower and exit for the England team in Brazil.

A Poundland spokesperson told Sky News: “Our England supporter range has delivered a first class performance with almost 500,000 items sold, a 60% increase in sales compared to the last tournament in 2010.”

And according to Travel Weekly, tour operator Thomas Cook saw traffic volumes on its website double last weekend – as disappointed fans sought to leave England’s woes behind.

Pubs Lose Out After England's World Cup Exit