England fans receive urgent World Cup plea after 'increase in alcohol-related assaults'

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Cameron Smith | Digital Content Producer

Accredited sports journalist covering football since 2020

The London Ambulance Service have revealed there was a significant increase in “alcohol-related assaults” after England’s 0-0 draw with Ghana on Tuesday night.

The Three Lions were unable to find a goal against Carlos Queiroz's stubborn defence despite enjoying 78% possession and they therefore head into their final group stage match versus Panama needing to at least match Ghana’s result against Croatia in order to win Group L.

Captain Harry Kane spurned a late chance to win it after Nico O’Reilly saw a header cannon off the crossbar, but England were largely unable to break down Ghana’s backline and there were huge similarities between the performance and several under previous boss Gareth Southgate.

The Three Lions have now had a 0-0 draw in nine of their last 10 major tournament appearances and they hold the record for the most goalless draws in World Cup history too (13).

England fans cause trouble after Ghana draw

While fan behaviour in the United States of America has reportedly been exemplary, with local police “stunned” by the manners of those travelling to back the Three Lions, the same can’t be said for England supporters at home.

In a statement posted on their official X account, the London Ambulance Service said: “We're calling on England fans to enjoy the FIFA World Cup game vs Panama safely on Saturday.

“We saw a 50% surge in 999 calls and an increase in alcohol-related assaults after the last match against Ghana. Your actions can help us reduce the number of avoidable ambulance callouts.”

They added: “With another weekend of hot weather expected, please continue to follow our advice by drinking water, staying out of the sun where possible, wearing sun screen and carrying any medication you might need.

“Even if ‘It’s Coming Home’, we still want you to get home safely!”

England’s game against Panama kicks off at 22:00 BST on Saturday night and pubs are therefore expected to be extremely busy in London, and other major cities, as fans look to enjoy the game in a social setting.