EIGHTEEN months after heartbreak in Qatar, England fans are getting ready for the next chance to see it come home.

But it is not just fans who are looking forward to the tournament kicking off, businesses in Worcester are celebrating an expected boost to sales.

Adam Kent, Worcestershire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Economy, said: “I welcome the economic boost that Euro 2024 will bring to the county which could be worth around £2.5 million to our local businesses.

“We have over 500 pubs in the county, which form the largest subsection of our local tourist landscape, and the boost these and other businesses will get will be fantastic.”

Cllr Kent was keen to highlight how, even when England weren’t playing, there would be plenty to do in Worcestershire: “To entertain in between the games, we have a huge range of event taking place across the county during the tournament.

“Worcestershire is open for business and ready for Euro 2024.”

According to a report from the British Retail Consortium (BRC), 13 per cent of UK residents plan on spending more on groceries, beer, wine, spirits and takeaways to enjoy while watching the tournament.

The BRC’s Director of Insight, Kris Hamer, said: “After sluggish spring sales, shoppers are expected to kick off their summer spending at the Euros.”

Over 30million people are expected to watch at least one game at home, leading to £2.1 billion in sales in the retail market.

The hospitality industry is also expected to see profits rise while the Three Lions are in Germany.

A report conducted by VoucherCodes.co.uk, found that over £600 million will be spent in venues and, after Qatar’s World Cup was held in November and December, pubs and bars are expected to benefit from warmer June and July weather, with £172 million more being spent than in 2022.