England’s World Cup quarter-final could boost beer sales by six million pints, according to a trade body.

The British Beer and Pub Association hopes the 7pm kick-off time for the Three Lions’ clash with France will encourage punters to visit their local early.

It believes the game can deliver a £26 million boost to the sector, with overall pint sales estimated at 28 million for Saturday.

Emma McClarkin, British Beer and Pub Association chief executive, said: “This match’s Saturday-night slot will hopefully deliver good trade for pubs, with people able to head to their local early to secure a spot and cheer on the Three Lions.

“The World Cup has been providing a boost to beer sales and if England manage to see off France this will hopefully continue.

Whilst the tournament won’t be able to make up for an extremely difficult trading environment, we’re hoping it will at least provide some short-term uplift to the industry and continue to lift the spirits of the nation

“Pubs need this as they continue to weather what was already set to be a difficult winter, with rising energy costs and the cost-of-living crisis and their outlook further dampened by news of rail strikes over the usually busy festive period.

“Whilst the tournament won’t be able to make up for an extremely difficult trading environment, we’re hoping it will at least provide some short-term uplift to the industry and continue to lift the spirits of the nation.”

UKHospitality chief executive Kate Nicholls said early data shows the “World Cup boost” still exists.

She said: “The World Cup always provides our pubs with a boost as football fans flock to the local to cheer on their country and pubs across the UK have been welcoming in fans from the winter weather to provide warm sanctuary to watch the group stages.

“We’re hearing from businesses, and early data is backing this up, that the World Cup boost still exists and pubs have seen roughly an 11% increase in food and drink sales so far.

“We’re hopeful that this boost continues throughout the knockout stages and that the public continue to turn out to support their local pubs, many of which continue to face significant challenges due to the cost of doing business crisis.”