England fans to spend big during World Cup

Tuesday, October 11, 2005

NatWest and MasterCard have come up with some incredible figures for all football fans ahead of next year's World Cup.

The football tournament, which pits the world's best 32 teams against each other, kicks off next summer in Germany and for England fans it could be expensive.

The figures show that England's 24 million fans could spend an incredible £2 billion in total if the Three Lions reach the World Cup final in July, with a new breed of fan arising.

"Our research has indicated a potential surge in support from a new die hard fan base – people with high incomes and expensive tastes," said Gary Millerchip, head of credit card sales and marketing at NatWest.

"It also highlights a growing passion for the game amongst women, with high-profile football events increasingly attracting female fans."

The figures are based on England fans watching the matches in their local, buying three pints of lager and some food or staying at home, with a four pack of beer and a medium sized pizza.

England qualified for the World Cup finals on Saturday, and join countries as varied as Togo and South Korea in the football showpiece.