The Reverend David Green, from West Malling church in Kent, announced he would be moving his morning service half an hour earlier – at 9.30am – to accommodate the kick-off time, which is 11am in Britain.
The Right Reverend Libby Lane, Bishop of Derby and the church’s lead bishop for sport, said football supporters should be able to choose the service that is “right for them”.
The 11am kick-off time has led to warnings from the British Beer and Pub Association that most pubs are unlikely to be able to serve alcohol until the first whistle.
The sale of alcohol is widely prohibited before 10am on Sunday but pubs also have specific hours they can stay open and serve alcohol, depending on individual licences. Licensing rules can be temporarily relaxed by the Home Office for occasions of “exceptional international, national or local significance”.
Several churches have already announced they will incorporate the match into their Sunday plans. St Mary’s in Sunbury-on-Thames, Surrey, will livestream the game and will have “bacon rolls and fizz” (champagne) following its main morning eucharist.
Setting out the Church of England’s position, Lane said she knew lots of people would want to watch the match live.
The Right Reverend Libby Lane says the Lionesses should be proud whether they win or lose.Credit: derby.anglican.org
“That is fine from the Church of England’s point of view,” she told the Evening Standard.
“Others will prefer to go to church and avoid knowing the score until they can watch the match on catch-up, and that is fine too.
“Whatever they decide to do, I’m sure the final will be a wonderful and memorable occasion, and, win or lose, the Lionesses should be immensely proud.”
Pubs, bars and other venues up and down the country are gearing up to show the Lionesses in action, while a super screening of the final in London is expected to attract more than 12,000 fans.
England’s Lauren Hemp in action.Credit: Reuters
Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, said millions of people had been cheering on the Lionesses at their local pubs throughout the tournament, enjoying the unrivalled pub atmosphere and communal celebrations.
“We need the government to step in and allow the necessary regulatory easement to allow pubs to serve the public from 10am on the final day, so fans and communities can come together and cheer the Lionesses to victory at the best place to watch live sport – the pub,” she said. “Where there’s a will, there has to be a way.”
Opposition Leader Sir Keir Starmer has called for a public holiday to celebrate if the Lionesses win, echoing a similar call by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese should the Matildas have won.
“It’s almost 60 years since England won the World Cup. I’m never complacent about anything … but there should be a celebratory bank holiday if the Lionesses bring it home,” he said.
It remains unlikely that would happen.
A government spokesman said winning the World Cup would be a massive moment for the country but pointed to comments from England’s manager, Sarina Wiegman, that “the first thing to do is focus on the final”.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan confirmed Victoria Park in East London would play host to the free public screening. Trafalgar Square is undergoing long-standing maintenance.
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