Sheffield city centre World Cup fan park plans announced as England progress in football tournament
The fan park will only happen if England beat Mexico
More details have been released on plans to open a World Cup 26 fan park in Sheffield city centre.
Officials from the company which would be running the Fan City site have confirmed they will open on Devonshire Green if England get into the last 16 - but first the Three Lions need to beat Mexico.
The game kicks off at 1am on Monday.
Organisers say they are preparing to transform Devonshire Green into the city's football home from home as supporters come together to cheer on the Three Lions in the heart of Sheffield city centre.
If England succeed and get to the quarters, international matches for the rest of the tournament, featuring all teams still left in the competition, will be screened.
The only game that will not be on the big screen, is the second quarter final, due to take place at 2am.
But the fan park will only happen if England manage to beat the Mexicans in their own stadium.
Thomas Tuchel has already said England are at a disadvantage because the stadium in Mexico City is at high altitude, with thin air, and that England will not have time to acclimatise to that.
An official spokesperson for fan park organisers, Fan City, said: "Sheffield has always turned out for big football occasions and we know there will be huge demand for somewhere supporters can come together to watch the game.
"If England reach the quarter-finals, we'll be ready to welcome fans back to Devonshire Green for what we hope will be another memorable night. We’ll also be open for all of the matches from the quarters. Fingers crossed we make it all the way to final this year!"
Councillor Ben Miskell, Chairman of the Economic Development, Skills and Culture Policy Committee at Sheffield Council, welcomed the return of Fan City to the city centre.
He said: "World Cup fever has, once again, gripped the city with Thomas Tuchel and Harry Kane hoping to lead England all the way and bring the trophy home.
"The return of Fan City at Devonshire Green offers the perfect opportunity to cheer on the boys alongside fellow football fans during the knockout stages of the tournament and I would encourage all those who can to get down there and soak up the atmosphere.
"With the games taking place in the United States, Canada and Mexico, it does mean kick off times are later in the evening and I would remind those attending to enjoy themselves responsibly and respect those living around Devonshire Green, particularly once the final whistle has blown, whatever the result."
As well as creating memorable experiences for supporters, previous editions of Fan City have also provided a welcome boost to Sheffield's city centre economy, helping to drive footfall for local businesses, bars and hospitality venues during major tournament fixtures.
Organisers say further details around timings, ticketing arrangements and the wider Fan City experience will be announced immediately following England's last 16 fixture should the Three Lions progress.