Euro 2020: Football coming home can get Britain back on track after Covid lockdowns

England fans celebrate the first goal from Harry Maguire in the FIFA World Cup 2018 quarter-final match between Sweden and England at the Rose & Crown pub, in Wimbledon, south London.
Philip Toscano
Charlie Bayliss

By Charlie Bayliss


Published: 12/06/2021

- 11:39

Updated: 12/06/2021

- 11:59

England, Scotland and Wales have the chance to put a smile back on our faces after a year of Covid toil

June 13 is a big day for Britain. Not only does GB News go on air for the first time, but England have the chance to avenge their World Cup 2018 semi-final defeat to Croatia in their opening match of Euro 2020.

There's plenty of home nation interest this summer, and footballing success could be the answer to getting Britain back on track after a year of suffering.


Wales are playing only their second major tournament since 1958, with international stalwarts Aaron Ramsey and Gareth Bale leading the charge. They'll be hoping to defy the odds again after their semi-final finish at Euros 2016.

Wales fans before they watch the Wales v Northern Ireland, Euro 2016 match, in the fanzone in Coopers Field in Cardiff.
Wales fans before they watch the Wales v Northern Ireland, Euro 2016 match, in the fanzone in Coopers Field in Cardiff.
Simon Galloway

Scotland kick-off their first major tournament since 1998 against the Czech Republic. Premier League and Champions League winner Andy Robertson captains the team, which includes Arsenal's Kieran Tierney, Manchester United's Scott McTominay, Chelsea's Billy Gilmour and others.

England's team is an exciting blend of youth and experience, with youngsters Phil Foden and Jadon Sancho accompanied by the world-class talents of Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling. Gareth Southgate's team inspired and over-performed expectations in equal measure at the 2018 World Cup.

The Three Lions carry the hopes of a nation who have been deprived of silverware since 1966. But while there's no representation for Northern Ireland, three home nations at the Euros is a decent return. It provides the perfect opportunity for Britons to get back into pubs, which have been crippled during the last 18 months.

Scotland Andy Robertson shots just wide during the UEFA Euro 2020 Qualifying, Group I match at Hampden Park, Glasgow.
Scotland Andy Robertson shots just wide during the UEFA Euro 2020 Qualifying, Group I match at Hampden Park, Glasgow.
Jeff Holmes

Hospitality businesses have gradually been reopening from April 12 across England. Scotland and Wales have followed a similar roadmap to freedom.

According to the British Beer and Pub Association, around 2,000 boozers have permanently closed and an estimated £8.2bn have been lost in beer sales during the past year.

For Brits who saved cash during lockdown, many will be hoping to splash the cash and save the institutions we cherish as a nation.

By England's last group game on June 22, all Covid restrictions could have been scrapped if we stick to the roadmap laid out by Boris Johnson. The vaccine rollout means Scotland and Wales could be on track to lift all restrictions by the end of June too.

Chains secure the doors of a closed Fuller's pub in London, during England's third national lockdown to curb the spread of coronavirus. Picture date: Thursday January 28, 2021.
Chains secure the doors of a closed Fuller's pub in London, during England's third national lockdown to curb the spread of coronavirus. Picture date: Thursday January 28, 2021.
Dominic Lipinski

Qualifying out their respective groups would give fans a chance to celebrate freely. Scots will be able to hug their fellow countrymen without a care in the world if a 93rd minute winner goes in, while Welshmen won't have to worry about standing too close to others as they queue up for pints. They'll even be able to celebrate England's success too, if they fancy it.

A good run for England, Scotland and Wales will not only put a smile on our faces, but it provides us with the perfect opportunity to breathe life back into our struggling hospitality industry. Of course, pubs will benefit, but our city and town centres which were desolated by Covid will become vibrant hubs of activity once again.

A good run for England, Scotland and Wales is the perfect opportunity to breathe life back into our struggling hospitality industry

As a nation, we'll be more inclined to spend money in restaurants, bars and nightclubs. We'll be able to relive those famous scenes of strangers partying together in the street again, and we'll be free to throw our overpriced drinks in the air without fear or favour.

Most importantly, Wembley will have at least a quarter of the 90,000-seat stadium filled during the group stage and round of 16. This could rise to at least half for the semifinals and for July 11 final.

Success for England would mean lifting the trophy in front of 45,000 home fans. Nothing would lift a nation's sprits more than if football finally came home.

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