Here we go again. As the nation prepares itself for the glory and the pain of Euro 2016, supermarkets and DIY stores are readying themselves for a run on beer, crisps, pizzas and barbecues.
And there’s the rub. While our natural inclination is to expect the worst on the field (and no Sir Geoff Hurst, I don’t think England’s squad is the most exciting since the World Cup winning team of 1966), there is a glimmer of good news for the economy.
If you’ve seen the glut of booze offers and cut-price fast food on the shelves of your local shops, you’ll know what I mean. According to Lloyds Bank, the countries reaching the final four stages in the last five tournaments have tended to see rises in both consumer spending and GDP growth. This year, Wales and Northern Ireland, who have never before qualified for the tournament, may also benefit from this feel-good factor
England, ranked second in Europe in terms of GDP, has never reached the final of the Euros (and don’t we know it).
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