No Leeds city centre screening for first England game

First game from Rooney and co will not be shown in Millennium Square. Photo: Peter Byrne/PA Wire

Football fans will be able to follow the fortunes of England in their other two qualification games as they bid for World Cup glory in Brazil this summer.

However due to the late kick-off of England’s opening game against Italy at 11pm on Saturday June 14 fans are asked to note that this match will not be available on the big screen.

Similarly all of the quarter final matches taking place on the weekend of the Tour De France (Friday July 4 to Sunday july 6) will not be shown due to the arrival of the Grand Départ in the city.

A specially created outdoor viewing arena will once again be available for supporters to watch England’s final two group games on Thursday June 19 and Tuesday June 24 against Uruguay and Costa Rica.

If England progress from the group stage, the round 16 knock-out game will also be shown on Millennium Square on either Saturday or Sunday, June 28 and 29.

Gates for each England match shown will be open approximately 90 minutes before kick-off and fans are advised to arrive early to secure their places as admission will be on a strictly first-come first-served basis until the capacity is reached. No tickets will be issued or required and the outdoor arena will also feature a fully-licensed bar, toilet facilities and themed catering outlets.

General coverage of other world cup matches together with coverage of the Wimbledon tennis championships will also be shown on the big screen wherever possible with normal street café trading of the surrounding businesses in operation.

Leeds City Council executive member for Leisure Councillor Lucinda Yeadon said: “We are delighted to confirm that two of England’s World Cup group games will definitely be shown on the big screen in Millennium Square this year, along with a host of other matches in the tournament.

“Bar England’s opening game, which will not be available on the big screen due to the late kick-off, we will once again be creating a special viewing area on Millennium Square for fans to watch Roy’s men in action, and let’s hope they can help make this a World Cup never to forget.”