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The England men’s football team are in reaching distance of winning Euro 2024, as they carry the weight of the nation’s expectations after heartbreak at the previous tournament.
Gareth Southgate’s men lost the final against Italy in 2020 in football’s cruellest possible way – a penalty shootout – but have made their way to an exciting final showdown against Spain this Sunday.
Millions of people will be hoping the Three Lions can claim victory for the first time in the UEFA European Championship.
But where exactly is the best place to watch? Whether you want a friendly crowd, some food while you watch, or a buzzing atmosphere, here’s where in Kent you can watch the Three Lions’ campaign.
The Crayford Arms – 37 Crayford High Street, Dartford
For £30 punters can buy a Euro “season ticket” which gives access to all the team’s group games and 24 hour pre-sale tickets for any of the knockout games.
The pub has been showing the games in a marquee on a large LED screen throughout the summer, as well as showing live entertainment after the games. A single match ticket costs £12.50.
Ballin’ Maidstone – 87 & 88 Bank Street, Maidstone
The town centre site has dubbed itself the largest Euro 2024 fan park in Kent.
It offered free entry for all of England’s group games with a large screen and 22 additional screens which can accommodate 1,200 fans.
There will be live DJs before the game and for a parties afterwards, as well as beer and food available.
Tickets available for a table in front of the giant screen – for up to eight guests. Free entry but must be pre-booked.
Casino Rooms – Blue Boar Lane, Rochester
The venue is offering the “biggest atmosphere, biggest crowd and biggest drinks deals” around.
It has an 18ft screen to accommodate all fans who are showing up the Three Lions crucial final game.
There is free entry from 7pm.
The Goods Yard – Folkestone Harbour Arm
Football fans will be returning to the coast to support Gareth Southgate and the Three Lions.
A popular venue during the last competition and the World Cup, the Folkestone site offers a large screen and outdoor seating.
You will need a ticket to enter, with food and drink on offer as well.
The Eagle – 56 Brewer Street, Maidstone
The refurbished boozer will be showing the tournament with flags draped inside the pub.
Last February it received a £100,000 makeover which included a fresh lick of paint, new seating and a TV area to watch the sports.
There is also a games room with a pool table and darts boards.
The Black Horse – High Street, Bean
Offering an “electrifying” atmosphere, the high street pub has called on all England supporters to head down there at 8pm for the big game.
It is offering ice-cold drinks and large screens to watch the match on.
The Goose – 23/25 King Street, Gravesend
This pub first hit KentOnline headlines back in 2018 after chaotic scenes outside when England beat Colombia in a penalty shootout during the World Cup.
Punters flooded the streets and one sunglass wearing man even managed to crowd surf…with his bike.
This time around, The Goose is offering drinks packages – named Geoff Thirst, Big Game and Lions – which offer a range of deals for anyone who wants to watch the game there.
Duke of Marlborough – 27 Union Street, Maidstone
This pub describes itself as a “friendly town centre pub” which offers a range of sports and activities.
It regularly shows the football on its multiple screens, which are just a short walk from the town’s main street.
The Dugout Sports Bar and Kitchen – Cheriton Road, Folkestone
Describing itself as a “must-visit destination in the area”, The Dugout caters for the Isthmian League’s Folkestone Invicta F.C.
But it will be swapping Invicta supporters for England fans as it looks to welcome plenty of people for the final match.
The George and Dragon – 17 Shipbourne Road, Tonbridge
Boasting six indoor screens and a massive 85” outdoor screen, the George and Dragon has been showing all of the televised games.
There are plenty of tables outside, so punters will be hoping for sunny weather.
Matches Sports Bar – 11-14 Butchery Lane, Canterbury and Unit 3, Elwick Road, Ashford
These two sports bars in the south of Kent will both be looking to attract more sports fans for the tournament.
The Ashford site has 22 ultra HD screens as well as entertainment if you get bored at half-time, including shuffleboard, interactive darts, cashless pool, karaoke and gaming consoles.
Canterbury offers a similar experience, with both serving food, but has five more screens.
If you’re a pub, bar or business showing the England final, email smcpolin@thekmgroup.co.uk to be included in this article.
Pre-booking may be required at some venues mentioned above.