England World Cup fever could trigger £20m cash rush as fans flock to pubs

ATM network LINK predicts millions of extra pounds will be withdrawn ahead of England’s blockbuster World Cup semi-final against Argentina.

England’s World Cup semi-final is expected to spark a nationwide rush for cash as fans prepare to pack pubs and bars to watch the Three Lions take on Argentina.

ATM network LINK forecasts that an extra £20 million will be withdrawn from cash machines on Wednesday – around 10 per cent more than on a typical day.

The network expects total withdrawals to reach around £210 million, with much of the extra cash likely to be spent in pubs during the highly anticipated clash.

LINK’s Director of Strategy, Graham Mott, said: “Judging by previous big matches and the timing of tomorrow’s match, we expect to see a 10% uplift in cash machine withdrawals meaning an extra £20 million – much of it going into pub tills.”

Ahead of England’s quarter-final victory over Norway, cash withdrawals were already £10 million higher than expected, despite hot weather that would normally reduce demand for cash.

LINK said a similar surge was seen during England’s 2018 World Cup semi-final against Croatia, when its ATMs dispensed £26 million more than usual.

Although cash use has steadily declined as contactless payments become more popular, major sporting events continue to drive demand.

Mr Mott added: “Back in 1966, almost all everyday payments were made using cash. Today, cash represents about 10% of all payments.”

With England just one win away from another World Cup final, pubs, bars and cash machines are all expected to be busy as football fever grips the nation.