Whitchurch residents 'delighted' to support pubs and England

With the hot weather encouraging people to stay home, there were plenty still out and about to watch the game as England opened their campaign with a win over Croatia.

Ben Miller, landlord at the White Bear, in the High Street, was thankful for the customers that filled the pub's popular beer garden despite the hot weather.

"We were more than happy with the number of customers that we've had today because a lot of people have chosen to stay at home," he said.

"To be honest, it really helps us having the garden out the back.

"We're not a 'football' pub – as much as I love it – but for the Euros we've been able to put a screen out the back for people to come out.

"We're expecting it to be a lot busier for the Scotland game next week."

Friends Luke Cashin, Alex Pullen and Liam Williams were one of the many in the pub's beer garden, and they were happy to be out watching the game in the sun.

Luke said: "It's as busy as it can be because of Covid-19 and all the restrictions that comes with it.

"It's been great to have such a nice warm spot to watch the game."

Over in the Bulls Head, in Watergate, the game was an indoor only event and landlord Peter Warburton admitted he was happy with the numbers.

He said: "This is pretty much what I expected as we don't have big screens and a screen in the garden, and we're restricted inside.

"People came here aware of the restriction but I think it will get busier the more England and Wales go into the tournament."

Daughter Jamie was watching along with her teammates from Prees Ladies FC, and she felt England had the upper-hand throughout their win.

She also defended the players taking the knee pre-match.

"It's been absolutely brilliant," she said.

"England have been the better side and I think they're going to win.

"I do support them taking the knee – it's pretty pointless now (because people are booing) but I completely understand why England are doing it."