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Three Lions supporters were expected to down 30 million pints as Harry Kane and the rest of his squad took on the Americans. 

But stay-at-home fans were expected to splash out even more on booze, snacks and pizzas as they cheered on their beloved side from the nation’s sofas in the 0-0 draw.

Retailers were expecting a £200million bonus as excitement reached fever pitch.

Before the Qatar match at the Al Bayt Stadium, north of Doha, Kate Nicholls, chief executive of UKHospitality, said firms across the nation would get a huge boost.

She said: “Big, televised sporting events always provide a boost to pubs.”

“And this comes at a particularly helpful time as businesses struggle to cover rising costs and footfall decreases with consumers tightening their spending.”

Ms Nicholls also appealed to thirsty fans to be patient, as many pubs are still shortstaffed following the pandemic.

Some retailers brought Black Friday promotions forward because of the football.

According to a Surrey University study, the beautiful game is able to help the economy bounce to success.

It has the power to improved GDP – gross domestic product – growth in the following two quarters. Experts say winning the World Cup can lead an economy to improve by as much as a quarter of a percent.

Study author Dr Marco Mello, an economics postdoctoral research fellow at the university, said: “The evidence strengthens the idea that success in one of the most viewed and prestigious international sporting competitions has the potential to affect the business cycle.”

“If England were to win the Fifa World Cup in 2022, it may help alleviate the current economic crisis for British trade and exporters, who have recently faced the shock of Brexit.”

The research is based on findings from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, which dates back more than 60 years.

Dr Mello drew on information on winners over that time, including England, Germany, Italy, France, Argentina, Brazil and Spain, and compared them with a set of losers.

Supporters flocked into London Boxparks in Croydon, Shoreditch andWembley yesterday, to watch the England game.

Thousands also gathered at the official Fifa fan zone in Tottenham Court Road, central London, where music was played from DJ decks on stage by the main screen.

Some were decked out in England shirts or had flags draped around their shoulders… but one man was spotted joining the fun in head-to-toe USA-themed clothes.

Shawn Kelly, 29, from Boston, said: “Everyone has been very friendly.” He added: “We have a lot in common. There’s a lot of camaraderie.”

Thomas Borland, 32, from Washington DC, joked he felt “slightly” out of place, but added: “There is nowhere else I’d rather be.”

This is what it’s all about.” Collin Gibson, 47, who lives in Tunbridge, but was born in North Carolina, said he was torn over team loyalties.

He said: “I think I want England to win…I think. If England wins I’ll be very happy, if America wins I’ll be ecstatic.”

The Wembley arch was lit up in rainbow colours last night, following a World Cup week that was dominated by a row over armbands supporting the LGBT community. Seven European nations, including England and Wales, had hoped to wear the OneLove armband as part of a year-long anti-discrimination campaign in Qatar.

But they had to abandon those plans when Fifa threatened them with sporting sanctions, which started at a yellow card for the captains wearing the armband.

Carl Fearn, co-chairman of Gaygooners, Arsenal’s supporters group for LGBT fans, said of Wembley’s rainbow display: “This is a welcome, but small, gesture by the FA.”

“It would, though, have had far more meaning if Fifa and Qatar had lived up to their promise of a warm welcome for all and allowed it to happen in Qatar, rather than thousands of miles away in England.”

“We recognise and appreciate the England team and the Wales team are on the side of LGBT+ football fans.”

“Being prevented from showing their support in Qatar for all the OneLove causes is shameful.”

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