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ENGLAND manager Gareth Southgate has called on his team to conjure up the spirit of the Royal Marines as they continue their pursuit of World Cup glory tonight.
The 3,000 England fans expected to be in the Spartak Stadium in Moscow will be outnumbered two-to-one by supporters of opponents Colombia.
But Southgate said he was confident the squad’s spirit – honed by their military training sessions camped out with the Marines in Devon last summer – would see them through.
He said: “We had a couple of link ups with the Marines.
“They are an elite organisation who represent our country incredibly proudly.
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“It was good for our guys to get an understanding of the fact that when they represent their country, the consequences of failure are far more serious.
“It is putting it in the context of playing a football match.
“But the age of the young guys in the Marines is very similar to our team and they have kept in touch informally and formally.’’
Full-back Ashley Young, 32, said the players had formed a close bond with the Marines.
“They talked about working together and we have that togetherness,” he said. “And we have to be brave as well.’’
Today’s second-round match is expected to be watched by up to 27 million viewers in Britain with viewing figures for ITV expected to top Prince William and Kate’s wedding in 2011, which attracted 24.5 million.
Power companies also face a nationwide electricity surge as fridge doors open or kettles are turned on at half-time when National Grid expects demand to rocket by 1,050 megawatts.
Tonight a team of specially trained experts will monitor output across the country second-by-second to move electricity to under pressure areas and prevent blackouts.
Duncan Burt, director of system operations at National Grid, said he was confident they could keep the lights on.
“Our control room engineers are hugely experienced in managing the electricity system around the clock, seven days a week, 365 days a year,’’ he said. “It’s our job as system operator to balance the country’s supply and demand of electricity second-by-second in real time and transport it from where it is generated to where it is needed. “With the increased popularity of catch-up TV, tablet devices and other social changes that have changed the nation’s viewing habits, it’s vital we are able to anticipate these trends and predict how people will behave. The previous power surge record was 2,800 megawatts during the 1990 World Cup semi-final between England and West Germany. But that could tumble if the Three Lions, led by talisman Harry Kane, reach the final on July 15.
Pub takings could top as much as £100million with England fans expected to sup 40 million pints tonight, making it one of the biggest midweek pub nights in history.
Victory is likely to spark a host of all-night celebrations similar to those witnessed across Russia following the host nation’s shock elimination of Spain on Sunday.
According to research by bookmakers William Hill, a staggering 1.2 million workers plan to call in sick tomorrow – regardless of the result.
That could cost businesses hundreds of millions.