With the England soccer team's hopes of qualifying for next year's European Championships left in tatters by Wednesday's 2-1 defeat to Russia, sports lovers were looking to the rugby team for a massive shot in the arm of national pride.
Pubs were gearing up for another bumper weekend as fans flock to bars to catch the action on the big screen. Last weekend 33 million pints were swilled as drinkers watched the 14-9 semi-final victory over hosts France -- and celebrated afterwards.
London's O2 Arena will host the biggest giant screening of the final outside Paris, with fans required to register for the 5,000-odd free tickets at the former Millennium Dome.
Fans watching the final at home or in the pub could spend up to £200 million (US$400 million) on food and drink if England win -- and £150 million even if they lose, the Centre for Economics and Business Research calculated.
The fight is on for tickets, but two people at least should have no bother getting through the Stade de France turnstiles.
British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, a rugby-following Scot, has sent his best wishes to the England team and intends to turn up.
Rugby-mad Prince Harry, third in line to the throne, is also expected to attend, though he may face a domestic ruck with South Africa-raised girlfriend Chelsy Davy, whose 22nd birthday he reportedly sidestepped last Saturday to watch England play France.
His grandmother Queen Elizabeth II's subjects are having a tougher time getting tickets.
They are on offer on the Internet auction site eBay at up to £5,000 for a pair.
The average price of individual sales peaked on Saturday, Sunday and Monday at just under £1,800, with the average for the past two weeks being £1,100.57.
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