Three Lions to take over Millennium Square for semi-final showdown

As England prepares to face Argentina in the World Cup semi final tonight, fans in Leeds will be able to watch the match on the big screen.

Leeds City Council announced Millennium Square will show the game live on a giant screen to show who will be facing Spain in Sunday’s final. 

The event follows England’s victory over Norway on Saturday, which secured their place in the semi-finals of the tournament. If we win tonight’s game (and I’m sure the whole nation has their fingers crossed), it will be the first time England has reached the final since 1966.

‘The whole country is behind England and it’s fantastic that fans will have the chance to come together and enjoy this incredible occasion in the open air at the heart of the city centre,’ Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for economy, said. 

‘The atmosphere on Millennium Square is always a one-of-a-kind and probably the closest you can get to being there.’

The fanzone is due to open at 6pm, ahead of kick-off at 8pm BST. 

Arif added: ‘Leeds is a city that’s always had a massive passion for sport, and I know the fans will do England proud as we cheer them on in what will hopefully be another memorable win.’

While these kind of events are good for fans, they’re also welcome for the UK economy. Research from VoucherCodes.co.uk shows this year’s World Cup run could provide £7.6bn.

Mark Williams, managing director at WorkJam, said England’s success couldn’t have come at a better time. 

He said: ‘England’s World Cup success couldn’t have come at a better time for Britain’s pubs, restaurants and retailers. Early signs suggest the tournament could deliver a £7.6bn boost to the UK economy, with hospitality expected to be one of the biggest beneficiaries. If England keeps winning, that uplift could grow further still.’

However, Williams warned that the World Cup-driven boost should not be mistaken for a sustained recovery, as businesses continue to face pressure from rising operating costs and fragile consumer confidence.

Image: Shutterstock 

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