England is currently in the midst of World Cup fever as the Lionesses prepare to take on Spain on Sunday in the FIFA Women’s World Cup Final.
This will be the 17th meeting between England (seven wins) and Spain (three wins) in all competitions (drawn six).
It is also a rerun of last year’s European Championship quarter-final, a 2-1 win for the Lionesses, which was the last time the two sides met.
England and Spain have met three times previously at a major tournament, all of which have come at the European Championships, with the Lionesses winning the most recent two encounters (2017 & 2022) having lost the first (2013).
With an 11 am kick-off, you'd expect most pubs to still be shut, but this is England.
Lots of love for our @lauren__hemp! 😍 😅 pic.twitter.com/vRH3miVqtF
— Lionesses (@Lionesses) August 17, 2023
Across Swindon you have several pubs to choose from that will be hosting the final.
Although as you'd expect, all of the following are taking bookings for such an iconic event, walk-ins may not be permitted in some places.
Pubs in Swindon showing the World Cup final
Merlin - Drove Road, Swindon, SN1 3AF
The Wyvern Tavern - 49 - 50 Bridge Street Swindon, SN1 1BL
Goddard Arms - 1 High Street Swindon, SN1 3EG
Harvey - 18 The Town Square, Swindon, SN5 7DL
Woodlands Edge - Midwinter Close, Swindon, SN5 5EZ
Cross Keys Inn Wootton Bassett - 136 High Street Swindon, SN4 7AY
After England's 3-1 win over Australia in the semi-final, Lionesses boss Sarina Wiegman is the first coach to take two countries to the final of the tournament, having led the Netherlands to the 2019 showpiece.
"We achieved the final, it's unbelievable," said Wiegman.
She also achieved back-to-back wins at the Women's Euros with the Netherlands in 2017 and England in 2022.
"It feels like we won it [the whole tournament], we didn't win it, but we won this game," added Wiegman, 53.
Sarina Wiegman and Wrighty. Love how much Wrighty loves the Lionesses! 🏴 #FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/VHHBqiUd6r
— Proudy (@RProud89) August 17, 2023
She has now reached four major tournament finals in a row, with her two triumphs at the European Championships separated by a 2-0 defeat for her native Netherlands by the United States in the 2019 World Cup final.
"The chance that, as a coach or as players, to make it to finals is really special - we made it to four already," added Wiegman after England's semi-final success.
"I never take anything for granted but it's like I'm living a fairytale or something."
Ahead of Sunday, pub bosses have called on the Government to loosen licensing rules for opening hours and alcohol sales for the final.
“Most” pubs are likely to be unable to serve alcohol until 11 am, with some being restricted until midday, according to the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA).
Despite the pleas from industry bosses, the game is expected to give a £185 million boost to the UK economy as supporters are expected to flock to pubs and bars.
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