Earlier World Cup kick off better for business, Kent bar says

An earlier kick-off for England's World Cup knockout win has given fans a "chance to enjoy" the game in pubs and bars in a way they have not been able to so far, one owner says.

Chris Michaelas, whose family runs the Dartford Sports Bar in Kent, said later starts for the Three Lions had been "pretty bad" for business, with many fans arriving just in time for the game and leaving soon after.

England's 17:00 BST start against the Democratic Republic of Congo was the earliest they had played in the tournament, with their next match beginning at 01:00 on Monday morning.

Michaelas said: "It's great to have an early kick off to get some fans in and have a nice build up."

He added: "It has been very rushed up until now because people have been coming out late and leaving straight after.

"The next game is the worst so far in terms of fan experience, but that's a big game."

England's games against Croatia, Ghana and Panama in the group stages had been kicking off between 20:00 and 22:00 and finishing late in the evening.

In the round of 16 against Mexico, England could play until after 03:00 on Monday morning, and longer if the game goes to extra time and penalties.

Ahead of the group stage game against Panama, Mark Such, of Ye Olde King and Queen in Brighton, said World Cups were "outstandingly needed" for businesses.

He added: "They bring in more footfall than you can ever imagine.

"Brighton has a population from all over the world, so we will get a crowd for every game."

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