England's World Cup Run Gives Struggling British Pubs a Rare Lifeline

Landlords report soaring sales ahead of Wednesday's semifinal against Argentina, with takings up nationally.

Britain's beleaguered pub sector is getting an unexpected boost from England's run to the World Cup semifinals, with landlords reporting brisk sales as anticipation builds for Wednesday's showdown with Argentina, the Guardian reported.

National pub sales are up 10% amid the tournament excitement, according to the Guardian. Lisa Mayall, manager of the British Oak pub in Kingswinford near Dudley in the West Midlands, said she was jubilant after England's 2-1 win over Norway on Saturday night and reported brisk takings at the till. She expects hundreds more customers for the semifinal, which kicks off at 8 p.m. BST Wednesday.

One pub manager told the Guardian they expect takings to treble on the night of the match.

— Compiled from reporting by the Guardian.