Roar power

Pubs packed as final to net £185m boost for economy

- ANDY LINES

ROARS of joy erupted across England as fans celebrated the mighty Lionesses reaching the World Cup final.

Pubs in Leeds, Birmingham, Plymouth, London and Manchester were full despite the 11am kick-off.

The World Cup is also expected to net a £185million boost to the economy as fans flock to pubs for the final against Spain on Sunday.

Many parents took kids to watch yesterday's semi-final at fan zones, while millions tuned in at home.

In Folkestone, Kent, some tourists sat in deck chairs to enjoy the game.

Venues set to show the final said they had no tickets left shortly after the dramatic 3-1 win over Australia.

The three Boxpark arenas in London - Shoreditch, Croydon and Wembley - sold out in eight minutes.

Cousins Michele Mitchard, 57, and Porsche Smith, 34, and their families, of Denham, Bucks, joined hundreds at Wembley Boxpark to see the game.

Porsche said: "It's been an amazing day all the children will remember this for the rest of their lives.