World Cup 2022: England and Wales fans take to the bars ahead of crucial clash

England and Wales fans calm pre-game nerves in the only way they know how.

Doha’s limited booze supplies feel the full force of thousands of thirsty Brits before kick-off in a crunchy tie.

The fate of both teams at the World Cup depends on tonight’s game and it’s likely that a group of fans will head home for good when the final whistle blows.

Outrageously high prices have not deterred fans from getting ready for a game called The Battle of Britain.

Swansea’s Mike Gristwood said he and his friends were “slightly nervous” ahead of the home game.

The 52-year-old said: “But we’ll sing our hearts out later and we’ll be the 12th man to get our boys over the line.”

Tony Rogers and his three friends were the only Welsh fans at the Red Lion Pub in Doha, Qatar, surrounded by an ever-growing sea of ​​English fans.

“We have to improve our game,” said the 58-year-old, “the tactics have to be changed a bit so that we’re not so exposed in midfield.

“We were all pretty down after the Iran game, we just want to get away from here after we’ve done something.”

Steve Pope, 53, said: “Everyone is very friendly but they’ve only had a pint so far. I think we could beat them 4-0, but I’ll take a 1-0.

“If we get a good result, our plan is to get on the metro, sing along and then party all night.

“If we don’t do that, we’ll have to hop in an Uber and go back to the apartment to cry.”

Chief Constable Mark Roberts, head of Britain’s Football Police, yesterday said there had been no arrests or incidents in the first nine days of the tournament and commended England and Wales fans for their “exemplary” behaviour.

He attributed this to far less alcohol being available and urged ministers to learn the lesson and limit drinking in UK stadiums.

Tenerife police say they will launch a major security operation to prevent any possible violence during the England-Wales game.

Video footage emerged of a brawl outside bars on Spain’s largest Canary Island involving people wearing England and Wales shirts on Friday night.

British police fear people who have been prevented from traveling to Qatar for the World Cup may have been involved in the Tenerife incident, but added they have yet to confirm this.

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