Back to the pub piece, it’s great that businesses are getting a boost. The problem, though, is what happens afterwards.

Not all pubs are enjoying a football bonanza, however. Steve Hopkins, owner of the Shovel Inn in Stourbridge, where Bellingham was born, is quitting the business after the tournament. He said: “I’ve been in pubs for six World Cups. Most have been fantastic for trade but for this one turnout has been poor. People are staying away from boozers or only coming to them at the last minute. Whereas in the past the pub would be full at 3pm or 4pm for an 8pm kickoff. You’re talking about doubling your trade while the World Cup was on. “Ever since Covid, people have been staying at home, it’s a different way of life now. I’ve run pubs since I was 18, and I’m now 64, and I’m glad I’m getting out. “This is a semi-final and for once it’s on at good time of the night for it. People usually want the atmosphere at the pub to share the experience, because you can’t get that at home. If I don’t get a really good turnout that would just sum it up.” For the Shovel Inn, a good night’s takings would be about £3,000. Hopkins said: “If I get a grand on Wednesday I’ll be doing well.”

Not all pubs are enjoying a football bonanza, however. Steve Hopkins, owner of the Shovel Inn in Stourbridge, where Bellingham was born, is quitting the business after the tournament.

He said: “I’ve been in pubs for six World Cups. Most have been fantastic for trade but for this one turnout has been poor. People are staying away from boozers or only coming to them at the last minute. Whereas in the past the pub would be full at 3pm or 4pm for an 8pm kickoff. You’re talking about doubling your trade while the World Cup was on.

“Ever since Covid, people have been staying at home, it’s a different way of life now. I’ve run pubs since I was 18, and I’m now 64, and I’m glad I’m getting out.

“This is a semi-final and for once it’s on at good time of the night for it. People usually want the atmosphere at the pub to share the experience, because you can’t get that at home. If I don’t get a really good turnout that would just sum it up.”

For the Shovel Inn, a good night’s takings would be about £3,000. Hopkins said: “If I get a grand on Wednesday I’ll be doing well.”