Disappointment over lack of big screen in Wolverhampton for World Cup final

Disappointed supporters say the local authority should have been prepared for the prospect of England Women reaching the final – the first time an England team has done so since 1966.

All eyes will be on the Lionesses as they take on Spain at Stadium Australia in Sydney, kick-off 11am BST. Match coverage will be on BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport Online, BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds.

Labour Party campaigner and prospective council candidate for 2024 Kashmire Hawker said: “I am sure that I am not alone in feeling completely bemused and immensely disappointed that there seems to be no plans for a big screen showing of Sunday’s World Cup final anywhere in the city.

“It has been 57 years since the last time England reached the World Cup final – and women were still banned from playing football in 1966. Not having a big screen to show the game is, quite frankly, insulting to football fans across the city – and to our superstar Lionesses.”

Councillor Jacqui Sweetman, chair of the council’s economy growth and scrutiny panel, said: “So many of my constituents have been asking me if we are having a large screen in the centre of the city to televise the final.

“It’s a shame we couldn’t do it for this amazing national moment, but this will be a great boost to all our city pubs and other venues at a time when we’re all looking to help them. Come what may, we’ll all cheer our Lionesses together.”

Councillor Sohail Khan added: “This is a once in a lifetime event and I’m disappointed that the council’s events team couldn’t do it. This would also have been particularly good for the Sunday economy – our cafes, bars and pubs – who I know would all have welcomed the extra trade.”

A council spokesperson said: “City of Wolverhampton Council wishes the Lionesses the best of luck in the World Cup final this Sunday. While there are no plans to publicly screen the Sunday morning kick-off, the game will be broadcast in pubs and other venues across the city for people to enjoy while helping support local businesses. We look forward to the Lionesses bringing football home.

“We’re also looking forward to the opening of our £6 million Box Space in the city centre next year. This food, drinks and entertainment space will give us the ability to broadcast major sporting or cultural events in the future.”